Tampa is set to say "konnichiwa" to Daiso, the popular Japanese variety store chain making its Florida debut. With plans to open in the Northdale Promenade in early 2025, the store promises a diverse range of products familiar to loyal customers worldwide, as reported by Business Observer.
The new location serves as Daiso's beachhead on the west coast of Florida, representing the company's second signed lease in the state; however, it is the first to open its doors. Katz & Associates brokered the deal, with David Eggnatz representing Daiso and Brian Hector of Kite Realty representing the landlord, Kite Realty. "We are excited to be working with a strong company that is thorough in their expansion goals throughout Florida with a great outlook on future growth," Eggnatz expressed, according to Business Observer. With half a century of experience in the retail sector, Daiso operates over 6,000 stores globally—about 100 of them in the United States, primarily in states like Texas, Arizona, Nevada, California, and New York.
The Daiso Tampa store will occupy a space seeking between 7,000 and 12,000 square feet, accommodating its expansive product line-up. From Japanese-inspired home decor to stationery, food items, and beyond, the store's offerings are vast. A 2023 piece by Footwear News highlighted Daiso's "optimistic aesthetic, colorful interiors and large product array," key elements that contribute to its international success, as noted by Business Observer.
Despite its 100-yen store branding, not all products are equivalent to 100 yen – a value of approximately $0.65 – with many items priced at $1.75, while some can cost up to $15.25. Shoppers are also drawn to a unique pricing experience; price tags are listed in yen, complemented by in-store conversion charts to translate costs to dollars. "This new store is strategically located in a strong center and top-tier market within the Tampa MSA," Eggnatz told Business Observer, likely forecasting a warm reception for the highly anticipated 2025 opening.
As for the retailer's expansion strategy, Tampa is merely the starting point. According to a statement by Katz & Associates obtained by CoStar Group, Daiso is actively seeking additional sites throughout Florida to host its concept stores, which meld frugality with variety for an engaging consumer experience.
