Big Japan

Ok, the $ 2.80 pricing ruse is a little odd and as Matt A. has observed, the Big Japan moniker is probably overstating things a little but I’m proud to say that Big Japan is my new favourite Smith Street bargain store.
Let me explain. In an area like Smith Street that is awash with $ 2 shops all selling what looks like exactly the same stuff, Big Japan is a big breath of fresh air. From its ingenious drink bottle ice making trays to its colourful $ 7 stools; its cute Japanese tea sets to its offbeat tupperware, Big Japan is a sight for $ 2 shop fatigued eyes.
Sure, every time I visit this Japanese bargain basement it seems to be deserted, but In my opinion this is an injustice. If you’re on the Smith Street $ 2 trail don’t leave Big Japan out, there are definitely a few choice pieces to be found here.

Big Japan is a new and slightly sad bargain shop on a street already overrun with markedly better ones. The front window has «ANY ITEM $ 2.80» painted across it, which is curious, not only for the fact that they chose $ 2.80 as the standard price rather than, say, $ 3, but because virtually everything in the store is OVER $ 2.80.
Setting that fact aside, the available stock at Big Japan is your standard bargain store fare (storage containers, cheap art supplies, random dust catchers and bric-​à-​brac). Maybe they’re still in the process of moving in, but it seems sparsely stocked. In short, Big Japan would more accurately be called Fairly Limited Japan.