6 one of a kind shopping spots
Essentials
Sure, you can buy most things online nowadays, but these unique shopping experiences in Asia cannot be duplicated on the web.
Whether you’re a shopaholic or not, these stores in Asia redefine the word, and bring shopping to a whole other level. These are not your basic malls or boutiques, these specialty shops and markets are for those with a purpose, so you had better come with a plan.
1. Don Quijote | Tokyo
Don Quijote is a literal “everything” store and when we say everything, we honestly mean EVERYTHING. Where else could you purchase a vibrator, a nice set of kitchen knives, and a Justin Bieber wig at the same time? Don’t be surprised if you walk in for a pair of socks and walk out with a geisha bobble head and a Mt. Fuji hat. With more than 60,000 different products on their shelves it’s easy to get distracted. And don’t worry, the cashiers at this place won’t give you any suspicious/judgy looks, they’re more than used to dealing with some questionable item choices.
2. Chatuchak Market | Bangkok
What better place to shop at than the biggest open market in Asia? Although it’s definitely not off the beaten path we have to say it is on it for very good reasons. Just like Don Quijote, as long as an item is sell-able they most probably have it. A step inside this bazaar and you’ll be overwhelmed (in the best of ways) by the colors, smells, items, and the crazy environment inside this enormous market. Make sure to wear comfy shoes and polish your bargaining skills, after all there are 27 sections for you to explore.
3. MMMG (Millimeter Milligram) | Seoul
Millimeter Milligram - Mmmg, for short - has been proudly representing Seoul around the world with their one of a kind lifestyle items. What stands out among their products though is their array of stationery articles. Each of their items have a minimalistic yet quirky feel to them that will have you ooh-ing and aah-ing, for sure. Calendars, journals, organizers, pencil cases, notepads are all designed with their motto in mind, “Everything is something to us."
4. Fabric Market | Shanghai
Forget about the latest trends in Zara, Forever21, and H&M.Why not rock one of your own designs? Designed by yourself and made for yourself only. Well for that, Shanghai gives you the Fabric Market. As the name suggests, this massive market sells every type of fabric you could think of and also is the home to Shanghai’s best tailoring masters. But just like any market, be sure to brush up on your haggling skills to get the best prices for your custom design.
5. Mint Camera | Hong Kong
Humans have always found photos interesting, but now with the rise of digital photography there are less and less stores out there selling good ole instant cameras. Mint Camera has made it it’s mission not to let polaroids die. Forget IG filters! This store sells and refurbishes the real deal. So bring your old Polaroid camera or adopt a new one and get ready to capture memories, old school style.
6. Monster | Taipei
Let your inner nerd out! This store has its walls covered in collectibles of all the cartoon and comic characters you could think of. From Marvel to Studio Ghibli, Monster Taipei has got a strong reputation among its toy shop brethren always making an appearance in the Taipei Toy Convention with its carefully curated collection of statuettes and action figures from your favorite cartoon characters.