Daiso opens at Donki Village, more possibly to come

Even as the dancing and drumming marked the opening of Guam’s first Daiso Village there could be another of the famous Japanese dollar stores being built, possibly in about a year.

There are more than 5,000 stores in more than 25 countries the world, Seiji Yano, president and CEO of Daiso Industries said during the grand opening at Village of Donki on May 18. Norma Villanueva, general manger for Daiso Mid Pacific, following Saturday’s event, said the company has the right to build four stores in Guam.

“There are a couple of different sites we’re looking at,” she said. “So we’re hoping to do something in the next year … but a location hasn’t been determined.”

During the grand opening, Yano thanked all involved in opening the Guam store, including Leonard P. Calvo, director of Daiso Mid-Pacific, and chairman and president of Calvo’s Enterprises Inc.

“With the long-awaited opening of this store, we are expanding our presence in Guam and will continue to fulfill our responsibilities as a global company that supports the lives and people around the world and aims to be part of their daily infrastructure,” he said.

Daiso’s grand opening was held May 18 at Village of Donki. Joining Yano and Calvo were acting Gov. Joshua F. Tenorio; Taku Suzuki, executive officer and chief of the global president’s office, Daiso; Takuya Sasabe, overseas manager, Daiso; Akira Matsushita, section manager, Daiso; Jerry Paulino, president of Tax Shelter and director of Daiso Mid Pacific; Sandra Paulino, president, GPX and director for Daiso Mid Pacific; Andrew Akima, manager of the first Daiso shop in Guam; and Villaneuva.

Daiso’s newest location boasts over 10,000 different items including necessities, kitchenware, stationary and interior goods.

Villanueva said they’ve had to put chairs outside of the store so customers don’t have to stand while waiting.

“We had a phenomenal weekend. We were overwhelmed and appreciative of the support we’re getting from the community,” she said, adding that they work hard to provide customers with what they need. “Our store carries over 10,000 different items and 90% of items are a developed in house.”

She added the store gets 1,200 new items every single month.

For more photos, visit: https://mbjguam.com/residents-flood-first-daiso-store. mbj