New York-based superstore Teso Life is banking on San Antonio becoming a regional hub for its grab-bag of Japanese goods. The “upscale dollar store” chain is opening a third area outpost at 3142 SE Military Dr. in City Base.

The retailer stocks thousands of Japanese goods from cult J-beauty cosmetic brands to the most coveted anime collectibles. While Teso customers line up for the latest blind box drop, it’s not just a toy store. The store takes a magpie approach to its shelves, selling a tiny Sekkisei pot of skin cream for over $50 and another shaped like Sanrio’s Cinnamoroll character for $9.49.

The shops have also become prime spots to load up on snacks. The aisles are full of nibbles like king crab Pringles, beer-flavored Lays, and matcha caramel corn. Its ramen selection goes far beyond what can be found in most grocers’ “ethnic” sections, offering intriguing flavors like carbonara and quattro cheese alongside build-your-own components like noodles and squeeze-packet sauces.

Entrepreneur Andy Lin founded Teso Life in Queens, New York, in 2017 with a desire to highlight Japanese culture and aesthetics. Since then, Asian variety stores have seen a surge in U.S. popularity, in large part due to a boom of TikTok videos that treat visits as a treasure hunt.

San Antonio’s first Teso Life drew long lines when it debuted at 12720 I-10 W. in October 2025. Since then, the company has revealed plans to open at Selma’s Forum at Olympia Parkway.

Although the company has confirmed the City Base opening, it has not published an estimated opening date. According to a recent Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing, construction will wrap up in late October. That date is subject to change due to construction delays and other snags.