Popular chain brings thousands of affordable household items and Japanese goods to Central Coast
Daiso, the cult-favorite Japanese discount store, will open its doors at Harden Ranch Plaza at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, marking the retailer’s first location on the Central Coast.
The store will host a grand-opening celebration this weekend Oct. 11-12, offering special promotions to welcome local shoppers at the Salinas location, 1662 N. Main St. The first 200 customers on Saturday who make a $20 purchase will receive a Daiso tote bag, according to a Daiso social media post, while Sunday shoppers will receive a special gift with their $20 purchase. Coupons will be available throughout the weekend.
The 50-year-old Japanese company is known for offering an selection of affordable products ranging from $2.25 and up. Shoppers can find everything from ceramic dinnerware to hanging egg containers, along with Japanese-inspired home décor, stationery, beauty products, kitchen gadgets and Japanese snacks. The retailer stocks more than 100,000 different products across numerous categories.
The Salinas location at Harden Ranch Plaza brings Daiso closer to Central Coast residents who previously would have had to travel to Gilroy for the nearest store. The expansion is part of Daiso’s aggressive growth strategy in California.
“California has been a key market for us, and we’re grateful for the support of our customers,” said Jack Williams, Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso USA, in a recent statement about the company’s expansion. The chain, which entered the U.S. market in 2005, currently operates 167 stores across eight states.
Salinas is among nine California cities receiving new Daiso stores in 2025, joining Aliso Viejo, Reseda, San Ysidro, La Quinta, Redding, Palm Springs, Modesto and Arroyo Grande. The expansion comes despite concerns about potential tariffs on foreign imports.
The store will be open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 9pm and Sunday from 10am to 8pm.
What to Know:
- Grand Opening: October 11-12, 2025
- Location: Harden Ranch Plaza, N. Main St. & Harden Pkwy, Salinas
- Special Offers: First 200 customers Saturday receive tote bag with $20 purchase; special gift Sunday with $20 purchase
- Price Range: Most items $2.25 to $3.25
