Tucked away in the basement of Suntec City is a treasure trove filled with products imported from Japan. Shop without guilt as most items don’t come with price tags as the default price is just $2! From household and kitchen items to toys to pottery, stationery, quirky knick-knacks as well as Japanese snacks and drinks, you’ll get lost in the aisles trying to look at every single item. They also have another outlet at Westgate. 

Tokutokuya is at Suntec City North Wing #B1-150, 3 Temasek Boulevard, tel: 8261 2128; and Westgate #B1-16 to 17, 3 Gateway Drive, tel: 6909 3656.

What makes this Japanese discount store unique is that they operate as a pop-up store, so you might find them at your nearest mall some time (check their site for updates on store locations). They also carry an array of unique Japanese instant noodles that can’t be found anywhere else, as well as snacks drinks, functional and useful living ware, all at just $2 (unless otherwise stated). 

2wo is at two locations: i12 Katong, 112 East Coast Road, #B1-03/04, Singapore 428802
, tel: 6443 9931; and #B1-07 Liang Court, 177 River Valley Road, Singapore 179030, tel: 6266 2412. 

This Japanese discount chain just opened its third and largest outlet in early January at the basement of City Square Mall, a testament to how popular this brand this here. Known as Don Quijote in Japan, Don Don Donki is where you can find everything you need and more, from watches to groceries to undies, beauty products, Japanese snacks and bizarre knick-knacks.

In fact, it’s like a Japanese Mustafa. If you’re feeling restless and peckish in the middle of the night, head to its Orchard Central outlet, which is open 24 hours every day (the other two close at midnight). Shopping here can be overwhelming — it’s colourful and noisy  with very narrow aisles — but some of its stuff can be cheaper than supermarkets, so take your time to hunt for those hidden gems. Be warned though — you might find yourself humming their “theme song” (which is played constantly throughout the store) for days on end afterwards. 

Don Don Donki has several outlets. Visit here for locations.

Sometimes you just need an affordable yet reliable piece of home furniture, and Japan Home may have just the option you need. Here you can pick up Asian-style kitchen utensils, small electrical appliances, storage solutions or small knick-knacks to make your house feel much more homely and lived-in.

Steamboat pots, vacuums, shoe cabinets, pillows — you name it, they’ll probably have it. Seasonal goods are also available here, such as Chinese New Year ornaments and decor. A fuss-free and great place to get what you need on a budget.

Japan Home has several outlets. Visit here for locations.

This Chinese variety store chain is best known for its cosmetic range, adorable plush toys and various other home products such as speakers, scent diffusers, kitchenware and lamps. Basic but stylish fashion accessories can be found here too, such as wallets, purses and backpacks, as well as beauty products like sheet mask tablets and cotton pads. 

Established by Japanese designer Miyake Junya and Chinese entrepreneur Ye Guofu, the brand prides itself on offering products that are affordable yet of good quality, and have simple, sleek and clean lines. 

Miniso has several outlets. Visit here for locations.

In need of a new speaker set or refrigerator? Don’t bother waiting for the next appliance fair to make that purchase. As its name suggests, this hidden gem is usually frequented by savvy shoppers looking for a bargain. With a wide variety of electrical appliances available (more than 2,000, in fact!), Mega Discount Store is more likely than not to have whatever you’re thinking of buying in stock. Join their mailing list to get the latest on their promotions.

Mega Discount Store is at #01-46-50, Kallang Leisure Park, 5 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397693, tel: 6348 7998, and #B1-56D/E, United Square, 101 Thomson Road, Singapore 307591, tel: 6254 7998.

There is nothing more satisfying than putting an item into your basket without even having to check its price tag. Of course, your bank balance may sting after – unless you’re at Daiso, where every item is priced at just $2. Especially popular for their range of adorable stationery, letter writing sets, travel essentials, home decor items and yummy Japanese snacks, Daiso is a great place to while away your time discovering knick knacks you never thought you needed (Balance Slippers and Tooth Brushing Wipes, anyone?). Always a reason to drop by. 

READ MORE: These $2 Beauty Finds From Daiso Are Surprisingly Good

Daiso has several outlets. Visit here for locations.

If you grew up in the heartlands, chances are that you’ll have a fond memory or two of shopping at one of Value Dollar’s many outlets. The shops are not the prettiest or most conducive for long-term hovering — shelves are cramped full of products and there’s hardly enough space to navigate your way around — worse if you have a basket. But if you can look past that, there are some pretty awesome deals there. From snacks like chocolates, chips and biscuits to drinks like coffee mix, tea bags and soft drinks, as well as toiletries like toothpaste and soap, Value Dollar’s wholesale-priced goods will help you save some cash on the daily.

Value Dollar has several outlets. Visit here for locations.

We’re not sure if this one even counts as a store since Mustafa is so large, it takes up an entire building. Known in Singapore as the affordable place to buy everything, the store is open 24/7 and impossible to miss, seeing as it is conveniently located right in the heart of Little India. From jewellery to toys to computer accessories, travel essentials, toiletries and fresh produce, this sure is a one-stop solution for customers. You can easily spend a whole day here just browsing.

Mustafa is at 145 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207704, tel: 6295 5855.

This discount store from Japan boasts over 15,000 lifestyle products and novelty items, and claims to introduce more than 100 new items every month. You can find all sorts of innovative and unique items across all the major categories, from homeware to health and beauty to arts and crafts, office supplies, glassware, gardening tools and so much more. Of course, all items are priced at only $2 (unless otherwise stated). 

Nomi Japan has two outlets: #02-219A Marina Square, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594, tel: 6904 8022; #B1-106 NorthPointCity, 930 Yishun Ave 2, Singapore 769098.

Photo: @nomijapan/Instagram

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Text: Zoe Zeng and Joy Fang / Additional reporting: Elizabeth Liew