In the US, we have stores like Dollar General and Dollar Tree, and in Japan they have Daiso. However, Daiso is not only in Japan; they have more than 5,000 stores worldwide, and now there are two stores in New Jersey. The newest store opened in Little Ferry this week, joining the existing Edgewater store in New Jersey.

Daiso is known as the "Hundred Yen Shop" and sells everything from stationery to electronics and household goods at discounted prices. In the store, goods without a price tag are 1.50 USD; everything else has a price tag in Japanese yen with a conversion table available. Many commodities are less than $2.

According to the Daiso website: We are proud of the quality, diversity and uniqueness of our extensive product line, which includes everything from stationery, kitchen, cosmetics, household goods and more. Use our origami, calligraphy tools, bento products, fans and other traditional Japanese items to experience Japanese culture.

Daiso’s Facebook page states that they open 10-20 stores worldwide every month; they have more than 2,200 stores outside of Japan. "Daiso understands that due to the rising cost of living, there is a growing demand for cheaper products. It hopes to contribute to improving living standards without having to pay more, but only at very affordable rates."

An article/review on Business Insider reads more like a love letter to Daiso, praising all kinds of goods that are not available in the United States, and calling it "a lifestyle-changing game rule."

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of Bill Doyle, the host of the New Jersey 101.5 talk show. Any opinions expressed are Bill Doyle's own opinions.