My new favorite place to shop in Japan: 390 Mart (Thank you Mart)

Sometimes, my husband asked me if I miss living in Houston. I often respond that the only things I miss are watching the View every morning, the spinach quesadilla at Chacho's, the buffet at Dimassi's, being able to shop early in the morning, Walmart, Target, Ross and Goodwill. I really do miss Goodwill. I found some great pieces there that I jealously keep.
 I have not been able to thrift in Japan. Thrift shops are really pricey here. They want to give more of a vintage vibe than second hand clothes. I love going to Fam's market in my neighborhood because it is relatively affordable. However, the sizes are way too small for my beig gaijin frame.
 Therefore imagine how I felt when I entered 390 Mart and discovered racks full of clothes in American size.
 I knew about 390 Mart for a long time. The first time I entered one, I did enjoy the shop but was not interested in old clothes. I was not into thrifting then. Back in those days I could not imagine putting money into used clothes when I could get new ones for the same price (or even less). So I shopped for gadgets there and went my way.
Now that I see thrifting in a new light, I found myself being in a small heaven when I entered the 390 Mart in Yokohama station. I immediately dived into the rack of skirts. They had skirts in all colors, prints and shapes. I checked some of their labels and realized that they were from Old Navy, American apparel...all American brands. And unlike any other stores in Japan,  I did not have any troubles finding my size.  I stayed for more than one hour inside the funky store, checking, touching, undecided, and finally settled for these pieces:

- pink studded belt
- body spray





- black maxi skirt





- neon top




- silk men's vest


- 2 American magazines (Glamour and Elle, January 2011)


As the name indicates, everything in 390 Mart ( called San kyu ma-to) cost 390 Yen (409Y with taxes). I spent 2863Y. Before going inside the store I wanted to spend 1000Y but I guessed I was taken aback by all the good stuff I found. They did have more stuff that interested me but I had to limit myself because I did shop a lot this month. I suppose they will see me often at 390 Mart. It officially became my favorite place to shop in Japan.

http://www.390yen.jp/

Comments

Duno said…
WOW! I've heard a lot about this store.. Where in Harjuku is it!?
Rahel said…
Great Blog. I enjoy reading it. Thank you so much for all the Store information, i was looking for Hard off store and came across ur Blog. I'm curious to check out the 390yen Shop in Yokohama. Could you tell me where exactly it is. Thank you! And keep up the good work :)

PS: Have you been to Yokohama Higashitotsuka Olympic BOOKOFF SUPER BAZAAR

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