Hundreds attend grand opening of Daiso store in Oswego

Chicago resident Carly Cheng is such a fan of the Daiso retail chain that she was willing to stand in the cold for more than an hour waiting for the new store in Oswego to open its doors.

“It’s not too bad,” Cheng said, who was the first in line on Feb. 8 for the grand opening of Daiso’s new store at 3040 Route 34 in the Oswego Commons shopping center. “It could be worse.”

Fortunately, heaters set up in the front of the store were helping warm things up for Cheng and the hundreds of other people waiting in line for the store to open. The line was so long it stretched past the adjoining T.J. Maxx store.

Daiso is a Japanese owned global retail chain that sells a wide array of products at affordable prices. The Oswego store is one of the first Daiso stores to open in Illinois and is the first Daiso store in the U.S. to carry Daiso’s Standard Products line.

“I’ve been to a Standard Products store in Japan,” Cheng said. “I like how it’s a simple design, but very upscale. It’s mostly home goods and that’s what I like.”

Standard Products, launched in Japan in 2021, offers simple yet elegant items for everyday life, according to company officials.

“With its focus on quality and sustainability, we believe the line will resonate with our customers and we’re excited to expand its availability in the U.S.,” said John Clarke, chief development officer for Daiso USA.

Montgomery resident Flavio Rodriguez visited Japan once and likes the Japanese culture. Rodriguez, who is a teacher, was looking to buy something he could use in his classroom.

“I got very familiar with what they sell here,” he said. “I am really excited to support a business that I really like and I hope we get more Daiso stores or something similar to it.”

Oswego Village President Ryan Kauffman greeted customers as they stood in line. He also is happy with the opening of the store.

“Daiso is going to be a wonderful addition to our community because they offer wonderful products at an affordable price,” Kauffman said. “They’re kind of like Crate & Barrel, but more affordable. I’m excited for people to come check them out.”

He noted the buzz that Daiso already is creating.

“We’ve got people here from all over the place – from Montgomery, Aurora, Chicago and Naperville," Kauffman said. “People are excited to come here and shop in Oswego. And we’re excited to have them.”

Store hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays.