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Wildly popular discount chain Daiso to open new San Francisco store at Stonestown Galleria

Amanda Bartlett, SFGATE
July 2, 2023
Updated: July 2, 2023 3:13 p.m.



A Daiso in Tokyo on June 20, 2016. A new location will open in San Francisco later this month.

NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

A wildly popular Japanese bargain store chain is about to expand to a new location in San Francisco.

Daiso, known for its surprisingly cheap but great quality dishware, hard-to-find East Asian snacks and beverages, toys, stationery and more, is slated to open a 5,115-square-foot store on the second floor of Stonestown Galleria on July 22, according to a Tuesday press release. Founded in 1977, the 100-yen shop is the largest of its kind in Japan with over 5,500 locations across the globe and several throughout the Bay Area, including in Daly City, Emeryville, Alameda and San Jose. Most of its offerings range between $1.50 and $2.

The often-bustling store in Japantown’s Peace Plaza was the last in San Francisco following the closure of another location in the Financial District. The new addition – Daiso’s 100th store in the U.S. – is expected to be a celebratory affair, and the first 100 customers who show up and spend a minimum of $30 at its grand opening on Saturday and Sunday will receive a grab bag filled with surprise goodies.

John Clarke, chief development officer for Daiso USA, said the chain currently operates in seven states, and that the opening of the new location is part of Daiso’s plans for expansion across the U.S. through 2024.

The Stonestown Daiso will be located above the Apple Store in a space previously occupied by Planet Playhouse, an indoor playground.