(SPOT.ph) If there’s one thing we know for sure here at SPOT.ph, it’s that you don’t need to spend obscene amounts of money to get good quality. There are so many more options now available for snacks, office supplies, household items, and everything in between! We guide you through some of the stores in Manila for scoring great finds that won't put a dent your wallet.
Miniso
This Japanese budget store needs no introduction—with over 50 branches in the Philippines, it seems like we can’t go to any mall these days without spotting a Miniso branch. And who could complain? Their affordable items (they boast over 10,000 types of products in their catalog) are not only useful, but pretty cute, too, as they all come in the store’s signature pastel tones and minimalist packaging. While you could easily go in there to quickly grab something you need, you may often find yourself staying a little extra longer than planned. We’re fans of all their We Bare Bears merch, but they’ve also got bags, cosmetics, stationery, fashion finds, and even digital accessories.
Perfect for: Stocking up on cute things that'll add little improvements to your life.
Favorite finds: Portable speakers (P999 to P1,299); Animal stuffed toys (P299); We Bare Bears mugs (P179)
See a list of Miniso branches.
Japan Home Centre
Japan Home Centre first opened in the Philippines in 2004. Inspired by ¥100 stores in Japan, they became well-known for selling items that are all priced at P88, but they now carry a wider variety of products at different prices. Practical folk will love Japan Home Centre’s no-nonsense, function-over-fashion strategy, but they’ve got tons of cute stuff too, from mini tumblers to desk organizers and even accessories like shower headbands. The stars of the show, though, are their sensible household and kitchen items—if you’re a fan of Japanese functionality, you'll have lots to see here.
Perfect for: Finding items to organize your home as well as all the kitchen tools you could possibly need (and the ones you didn't even know you needed).
Favorite finds: Spice Jars (P88); Ceramic Casserole Dishes (P288 to 388); Hello Kitty Toothbrush Holder (P88)
See a list of Japan Home Centre branches.
LÄTT LIV
Though it was founded in China, LÄTT LIV is actually “easy life” in Swedish. The store carries products that are both useful and eye-catching, and it looks like they've been inspired by the clean, simple lines of Scandinavian design. Besides household items, stationery, and electronics, they’ve also got fashion finds and gift items. We especially love their decorative items, which would add a subtle touch of modernity to any space.
Perfect for: Chic shelf organizers and fashion finds that won't break your budget.
Favorite finds: Patterned scarves (P189); Shoulder bags (P619); Kitchen towels (P89)
LÄTT LIV is at Uptown Mall, Taguig City; The Arete Square, Congressional Avenue, Project 8, Quezon City; Ayala Fairview Terraces, Quezon City; Farmers Plaza, Quezon City; and Festival Mall, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Mumuso
Everything here might seem straight out of the land of kimchi and K-Pop, but Mumuso is actually a Chinese brand with products inspired by Korea. The store’s charming, quirky items are easy to love, but if you're a fan of Korean beauty products, this is the budget store to make a beeline for: Mumuso has a wide range of makeup and skincare on display—all ready for testing and swatching—with prices ranging from P99 to P499.
Perfect for: K-Beauty junkies and lovers of all things cute and pastel.
Favorite finds: Beauty sponges (P99 to P179); Pencil cases (P179); Desktop fan (P429)
See a list of Mumuso branches.
Daiso Japan
If you’ve ever set foot inside the treasure trove that is a convenience store in Japan, Daiso is probably the closest thing you can get to having that same experience in Manila. This store will give you a taste of Japanese culture with finds ranging from grocery items like snacks, green tea, instant noodles, and sake, to novelty items like origami paper, washi tape, and reusable bento boxes. You’ll get lost browsing their home décor, art supplies, stationery, kitchen essentials, gardening appliances, and even hardware tools—most of which come in super kawaii designs. And did we mention that prices start at P88?
Perfect for: Those obsessed with Japanese culture—and those who love cheap and convenient items for cleaning, cooking, and storage.
Favorite finds: Japanese-brand biscuits and snacks (P88); Rainbow measuring cups (P88); Non-stick frying pans (P188 to P288)
See a list of Daiso branches.
Arcova
Korean lifestyle store Arcova—the most recently opened store on this list—is dedicated to providing consumer-friendly products. They’ve got plenty of finds for beauty lovers, from face masks to lip and cheek tints as well as goodies like phone chargers, earphones, jewelry, and stuffed toys, all in pastels with pretty illustrations.
Perfect for: Finding little trinkets and accessories like hair bands and clips as well as some fun, everyday items like aromatherapy diffusers, tiny pouches, and even lunch bags.
Favorite finds: Car aromatherapy diffuser (P299); Cucumber Rejuvenating Mask (P199); Patterned lunch bags (P179)
Arcova has branches at Forum Robinsons, Mandaluyong City and Robinsons Place Antipolo, Antipolo City.
MR. D.I.Y.
Since opening in 2005, MR. D.I.Y. has opened over 550 branches throughout Southeast Asia. They've got everything you could possibly need for your home from car accessories to hardware tools, electrical tools, and kitchen and bathroom essentials, and even things like keychains, beauty tools, stationery supplies, and pet accessories. They opened their first store in the Philippines in late 2018, but we're definitely hoping to see more branches pop up soon.
Perfect for: Quick and easy home improvement items—and some cute knickknacks here and there.
Favorite finds: Silicone wine bucket and ice tray (P269); Sleeping masks (P33 to P63); Memory foam pillows (P239)
MR. D.I.Y. is at U/G Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati City.
Yoyoso
Another Korean-inspired store, Yoyoso also carries a great range of beauty products, home essentials, electronics, and fashion accessories. We especially love their collection of stationery items and lunch accessories, most of which come in cute pastel colors and minimalist-chic designs.
Perfect for: Those who are always on the go—they've got all the little essentials you need to keep in your bag and on your desk.
Favorite finds: Power bank (P899); Mini hair iron (P249); Sketch book (P199)
Yoyoso has branches at 168 Shopping Mall, Manila City; Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City; Fairview Terraces, Quezon City; Ayala Malls Vertis North, Quezon City; Festival Mall, Alabang, Muntinlupa City; Robinsons Place Las Piñas, Las Piñas City.
Ilahui
In an interview with SPOT.ph, Ilahui’s brand manager, Alexandra Cerezo shares: “When our customers buy our products and enter our store, we want them to feel that they can embody and feel the Korean way of life.” And that’s exactly the vibe that the Korean-inspired concept store delivers. Their home, fashion, and novelty products all channel the youthful spirit (and adorable aesthetic) of Korean pop culture. They’ve got a great line of makeup and skincare products for the K-Beauty-obsessed, but we also love their storage items, which you can use anywhere from your desk to your bathroom if you’re looking to declutter your space and give it that minimalist touch. Though they’ve only got a few branches in the Metro, you can also shop their products online on Shopee and Lazada.
Perfect for: Anyone in love with the Korean aesthetic—or just anyone who wants to declutter and revamp their space.
Favorite finds: Pastel storage boxes (P99 to P249); Carrot-shaped gel pens (P59); Pink batteries (P99/8 pieces)
See a list of Ilahui branches.
