Don Quijote - Tokyo Intro: Experience #7 of 55

Don Quijote or "Donki" is a large chain of discount value stores founded in 1980 that offer a bit of everything.  These are not small stores and usually have several floors, but they tend to be cramped feeling as they are packed full of  merchandise from floor to ceiling.  A variety of goods are carried, including clothes, food, toiletries, stationary, cosmetics, souvenirs, tools, electronics, luggage, toys, and more.  These stores have vibe between a discount chain and a funky boutique that makes for a real sensory experience that is unique to each store.  The founder of the chain

Each store is  is a pretty unique experience.  The founder of the stores wanted people to spend time in his stores and make it a bit of exploratory adventure for every visit.  Floor staff at the department level on each floor make buying decisions to move what they think will sell and are evaluated on how well they do.  The same staff also have leeway to decorate their departments and you'll find colorful handmade signs advertising their wares.  I will always visit a Donki store whenever I visit Japan,

The stores often attract late night shoppers, and they have seasonal wares for the holidays including costumes for Halloween.  The Akihabara branch is famous for both their selection of cosplay outfits and accessories, and being the host of the AKB47 stage for the pop idol group.  There is Don Quijote in Osaka that is famous for have an oval ferris wheel built into the front of the store too.

Food Shopping

Funky displays and atmosphere.

AKB47 Stage in Akiba.

The prices are pretty good and they are now opening Mega Donki’s which are bigger and have food floors.  You could potentially get all your food souvenirs here.  Some of the stores are open 24 hours, including the Mega Don Quijote in Shibuya.

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