Don Don Donki, known as Don Quijote in Japan, opens in Orchard Central today!
It’s Dec 1st and it’s a happy, exciting day for me because …
Don Quijote opens in Singapore today!
I’ve been hyped about this ever since reading about it at the start of the year. Don Quijote is my all-time favourite Japanese discount store, you see, and if you’ve ever been to a Donki branch in Japan, you’d understand why.
Their stores are like, the Mustapha of Japan. Where every alley is so compact, so colourful, and so choked full of tempting merchandise. During my first visit to the Kabukicho branch, I spent like, one hour on one floor. (Ahem! The cosplay one) There were just that many things to look at and be fascinated by. From a practical travel point of view, it’s also so convenient for last-minute souvenirs and gifts buying.
On top of which, you have brand endorsements like …
The Ryū ga Gotoku fan I am, how could I possibly not love Don Quijote? Now known as Don Don Donki in Singapore.
Don Don Donki at Orchard Central
Now, excited as I was, I must admit I forgot about the opening in recent months. When I searched online for information earlier in the year, there wasn’t any concrete info and after a while, I just assumed it was one of those business things. That maybe the Japanese discount store chain wasn’t coming to Singapore after all.
Imagine my pleasant surprise when I walked into a whole group of staff energetically preparing for the opening last Saturday. Don Quijote was finally here. I simply couldn’t resist snapping some pictures of the store while it was being stocked.
Jump forth 5 days, and the 15,000 square feet, double-storey store is in business.
About the socks, if you have ever read Japan travel listicles or top-10 lists, you’d know Donki’s socks frequently appear as star souvenirs. The selection in the Singaporean store is smaller than, say, that at the Dotonbori branch. Marginally more expensive too. Still, I think they are a great buy. Probably make for great festive gifts for kids as well.
BTW, About The Name …
So I’ve read, the name “Don Don Donki” was chosen because there’s already a restaurant in Singapore named Don Quijote. This Singaporean name actually confused me a little over the week, as I always think of the chain by its Japanese name. It’s great that many other write-ups have since helped to clarify.
I have a new favourite hangout in town!
Yakuza screengrabs belong to, ta da, Sega!
This post is also my “subtle” statement about brand placements in video games. Hear, hear, retailers. You gain really devoted fans this way.
