3COINS Versus Daiso: The Japanese Lifestyle & ¥100 Stores Taking Over HK

From Hysan Place’s 3COINS to Daiso all across Hong Kong, our craze over Japanese discount stores feels endless. But how do these ultra-affordable lifestyle shops compare?

Move over, Daiso — there’s a new Japanese discount store in town! 3COINS, the trendy, Osaka-born ¥300 lifestyle brand, recently opened its first Hong Kong flagship at Hysan Place, promising stylish home goods and accessories at wallet-friendly prices. But how does it stack up against Daiso, the OG ¥100 shop that’s been a staple for budget shoppers worldwide? From pricing quirks to product vibes, let’s break down what sets these two Japanese imports apart.

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What Is A ¥100 Store: How Do 3COINS & Daiso Differ?

Think of ¥100 shops the Japanese equivalent to the UK’s Poundland or Dollar Tree in the US, where almost everything costs ¥100 (about $5, plus tax). These shops are packed with everything from kitchenware to stationery, all at unbeatable prices. The king of ¥100 stores, Daiso boasts 34 Hong Kong outposts under Aeon’s Living Plaza brand. Known for its chaotic variety and ultra-low prices (most items start at $12), it’s a one-stop shop for practical — if not always chic — finds.

A sleeker sibling to the ¥100 model, 3COINS prices items at ¥300 ($18, tax-included) and focuses on trendy home decor, fashion accessories and collabs. Its Hysan Place store mirrors Japanese pricing — unlike Daiso, which adjusts costs overseas — and targets shoppers wanting “affordable aesthetics” (think Muji on a budget). The key difference? Daiso wins on sheer volume and bargains, while 3COINS trades up for design flair.

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The 3COINS Craze: Homeware, Pet Goodies & Kitchen Must-Haves

Because of its pricing, Daiso has become a Hong Kong favourite for cheap cleaning products, toiletries like makeup and skincare, plus knickknacks like craft-making supplies. But if you’re hunting for affordable and aesthetic upgrades, 3COINS is your go-to for Instagram-worthy homeware, adorable pet accessories and clever kitchen gadgets with a minimalist Japanese twist. Here’s what makes 3COINS’s 2,500 product lineup stand out:

Stylish & Functional Homewear

• Minimalist decor: Think sleek storage bins, geometric vases and neutral-toned bedding
• Space-saving furniture: Foldable stools, stackable organisers and compact shelving units
• Seasonal collections: Limited-edition drops, like cherry blossom-themed cushions or Christmas decorations

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A-rawr-able Pet Accessories

• Costumes: Takoyaki-shaped outfits and yukata for furry friends
• Practical gear: Collapsible food bowls, plush pet beds and even pet-friendly umbrellas
• Trendy collars & toys:  Fun shaped chew toys and accessories

Read More: Top Hong Kong Pet Stores For Food, Toys & More

Cheap Yet Chic Kitchen Tools

• Silicone gadgets: Non-slip pot holders, quirky jelly moulds and easy-clean brushes
• Meal prep helpers: Compact bento boxes, reusable ice packs and portion-control containers
• Aesthetic tableware: Pastel mugs, wooden cutlery sets and minimalist dish racks

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Is 3COINS Worth The Hype?

Considering the social media hype, we expected big things from 3COINS’s opening in Causeway Bay — and while we weren’t necessarily disappointed by the products, we also weren’t blown away. For one, the basement-level Hysan Place store is rather small (hence the massive queues that persist to this day), so the shop gets unnecessarily crowded and makes browsing difficult. This makes running errands pretty inconvenient, so we’ll be sticking to Daiso’s massive outposts for everyday items.

On the other hand, we were pleasantly surprised by the range of jewellery and accessories offered at 3COINS, from cute claw claw clips and earrings to rings, hair bobbles and more (all priced at just $18!). We also weren’t let down by the homeware and furniture, but it’s worth noting that nearly all retail for far higher than $18. For instance, our editor purchased a small fluffy seat that doubles as storage for $80. That’s still affordable (IKEA sells something similar for nearly $200), but it’s not ¥300.

Nevertheless, considering Hong Kongers’ obsession with all things Japanese (especially for a bargain!) we’re fairly certain that 3COINS is here to stay. We just hope the next location is a little larger, stocks more products and perhaps is based Kowloon-side.

3COINS, B209B & B210–212, B2/F, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, yaichi.co/v2/tc/content/3coins

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