Wonderex

Wonderex is a chain of Japanese second hand stores. I know what you’re thinking, opshops are over hyped and over trawled, this one’s different. Japan doesn't seem to have many second hand stores, I don't know where all their stuff goes, either horded up in their little houses or...wonderex.

Don't think of the typically New Zealand second hand store which either, A: where everything is under $5 and you have to wash the clothing at least five times before it smells wearable. or B: where the ridiculously priced clothing is all slightly strange, covered in bad repair jobs and there’s a few tasselled lamps in the corner. No, a Japanese second hand store like Wonderex is chocka block with bargains of clothing, furniture, electronics and sports equipment. The Japanese population have a very convenient habit of buying all the right gear, keeping it in pristine condition to only use it for one season.

So the first day of winter was on Saturday and it snowed while I was down in Mito. So I 'had' to go and buy this woollen extra thick, extra warm jumper (and a tropical shirt to go underneath because it’s sad that it’s not summer at Christmas and a bit of colour is always nice).

I actually got my couch from here. Crazy cheap because there’s no demand for couches when everyone sits on the floor. They even offer to deliver it to your house for a small fee, but if you prefer (which we did) you can just take their mini truck and deliver it yourself, no exchange of keys no need to sign a waiver just total trust.

So do yourself a favour and go have a wander at wonderex, or a second look if you’re already onto the magic.