No matter where or when, cities always seem to have a market for knickknacks; and the Japanese store Daiso has them in droves. It's opening its new San Antonio location at Valley View Shopping Center (8523 Blanco Rd., #120) on September 28, with fun offers to get the party started.

The incredibly popular home goods store offers more than novelties, although that's what gets many Daiso shoppers through the doors. (See this very scientific market research meme.) Snacks are a big part of the brand, usually in the form of imported candy and crunchy things. The snacks obsession also extends to novelty ice cube trays, convenient kitchen tools, and lots of food-themed toys like plushies.

Lining the shelves are also tons of stationery and other office items, often with whimsical designs; closet and laundry organization tools; home decor; cosmetics; cozy socks; and the list goes on. Daiso follows a dollar store-like business model but with more curated goods, akin to popular Danish chain Flying Tiger.

To celebrate the store opening, the first two days of business — Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29 — will include some thank-you gifts for shoppers. The first 100 customers to make a purchase of $30 or more will receive an exclusive goodie bag.

"Texas based Daiso customers have shown us through our online business and social media their desire for us to have more stores within the state, influencing our immediate growth strategy in this region," said Daiso USA's chief development officer, John Clarke, in a press release. "We currently operate 153 units in 8 states with more states opening in 2025."

This is only the second San Antonio location. It follows the chain's June 2024 debut at Alamo Ranch (5347 W Loop 1604 N.). There is already a precedent for Daiso's success in Texas; it operates a dozen or more stores each in Dallas and Houston, and is now up to four in Austin. It originally launched in the United States in 2005.

More information about Daiso is available at daisous.com. At the time of this article's publication, Daiso has not yet updated the online store locator to include information about the Valley View location.