[-V-]

Hi,

There is a dollar-store type chain that is here in the Bay Area called Daiso. Technically it's not a dollar store since most things are $1.50, and many items are more than that. They tend to be big stores that carry a lot of merchandise. I think it's a store that has Japanese origins, but most of the stuff is made in China or Korea. It's a fun place to check out. They do carry Halloween items seasonally, though nothing I've felt compelled to buy ( fabric TOT bags, cheapo witch hats, cheapo black capes, etc--generally different from what one would find at a Dollar Tree of 99c Only store). My biggest complaint is all their measurements of packaged stuff is in the metric system so I gotta use an app to convert units--stupid centimeters!

I recently saw a few things a home haunter might be interested in:

*LED bulbs, incl --cheaply priced. Dimmable. The labels stated that they were suitable for 'damp locations' but then said something along the lines of needed to be protected; basically I couldn't be sure if they were specifically labeled for outdoor use. I'd use it outdoors in a somewhat protected fixture in my typically dry-as-a-bone climate for a limited period or taken in nightly. Probably not in rain.

*Mannequin heads. 'Nuff said. In different colors too. Yay for diversity.

I know there's locations in Union City, Mountain View, Daly City, SF, Newark and San Jose but I'm sure there's others.

 

[3pinkpoodles]

I love our Daiso in San Jose! A couple years ago I got some plastic urn planter things (painted them stone-ish) and use them in my cemetery display. Can't beat that for $1.50 each and they're good size. Like the mannequin heads too- but not sure on the $8 price tag. Thanks for the reminder though- this store has great things that cab be used in lots of creative ways.

 

[Rustie]

I also love Daiso! I used to hit the Daly City one often when I commuted on BART but now that I'm not I haven't been there in awhile, need to plan a trip! They have some great finds there for cheap, I got lots of little bits and pieces that are handy for my lab props.

 

[Ghost of Spookie]

Thanks V. Never heard of this Japanese chain. Here's a link to their website with over 700 stores on several continents: http://www.daisoglobal.com/store/ Only on West Coast, in California (northern and southern) and Washington State. For our Canadian neighbors there's one store in British Columbia in Richmond.

There's a few I could drive to to check out during the week...or see if hubby might want to have dinner up that way . He kind of enjoys going into international stores so won't see this one coming for halloween potential. LOL. Would be good to scope out even if I don't see something that trip. He says let's go next weekend. A plan!

BTW those heads are kind of nice because you also get the neck shoulder area too and a bit more of flesh than the typical styro heads in the beauty supply stores or Hobby Lobby (and HL's men's head is 9.99 before 40% off coupon).


Hey don't know if our Australian Friends will see this thread but there are quite a few locations in Australia and I know they are always looking for halloween things.

 

[3pinkpoodles]

Hey GOS: The store is super fun to browse around just because the merchandise packaging is pretty funny. You'll also find only things straight from Japan, like the nose massager, chair socks and miniature trashcans. Here's more: http://www.asianscientist.com/2011/09/features/8-funny-japanese-inventions-100-yen-shop-daiso/

I could spend an hour in there just reading all the fun/funny labels!

 

[Ghost of Spookie]

OMG 3pinkpoodles those labels were hilarious. I can see what you mean. Sometime things translate in the funniest ways too.