The King! Drugstore Mori: the treasure chest of unexpected finds
Time has surprisingly gone slowly since I arrived in Saga, yet I can hardly believe that I have been here for half a year now. In that time, a lot has happened, and a sense of routine has established itself in my daily life. I often find myself buying familiar favourite snacks and drinks or visiting certain stores. This growing familiarity is a great sign that I am getting comfortable. I have my go-to places for pizza, French fries, and my favourite convenience stores. However, one store that has gradually gained a spot on my favourites list is Drugstore Mori. To someone from the West, the name itself is legendary and brings about a chuckle.
Drugstore Mori was established in 1983 under the name Mori Pharmacy in Fukuoka. The new name wasn’t adopted until 2013. Now Drugstore Mori operates 393 stores across Kyushu, Okinawa, Shikoku and the Tohoku region. Primarily a pharmacy but this store holds many surprises.
The apple logo was chosen thoughtfully, as in Europe and China, there is a belief that apples are beneficial for the liver. I also feel the motto "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," aligns with the company's vision. The company wants customers to associate it with health and fitness, it wants to be seen as the apple. The stores frequently offer nutrition consultations, a variety of diet advice, and blood pressure measurements. Some stores even have on site nursery called Doramoli.
When I moved to Saga, the store's name caught my attention, but I never stepped inside—until I had to. Since then, I haven’t looked back. I first entered the store in search of hydrocortisone cream because my allergies had flared up, causing rashes. My initial impression of the store was that it resembles a large Boots from the UK, like Superdrug, but add a corner shop into the mix and throw in a dash of supermarket and you are closer to what it is.
Half of the store is dedicated to cosmetics, featuring several recognizable brands, along with a wide variety of hair and skin care products. This store rivals most others I have visited in the UK in terms of size. The next aisles shift focus to home care items, including flea bombs and Mold killers. You can also find cleaning products and cooking supplies. I recently purchased a room fragrance designed to promote sleep. While I have yet to experience any sleep benefits from it, it certainly smells nice.
The next aisles take an interesting turn, leading to a wide selection of instant ramen and bulk ramen packets. This ramen section stretches across an entire aisle, with canned goods located on the opposite side. As I explored further, I dove into the world of biscuits and confectionery, where I made my first exciting discovery: imported Nerds ropes from the States. I hadn’t expected to find imported goods, but I was delighted by the surprise. The variety of food available is impressive, and I wouldn't be shocked if I wandered in one day to find some British treats hidden among the selection.
As we continue through the store, we come to the supermarket section, which features a refrigerated area for milk, yogurt, and dairy products. Opposite the freezers dedicated to frozen food, there is a meat produce section. At the end of this area, you'll find the section for alcoholic beverages along with the bakery section.
Drugstore Mori prides itself in having all the daily essentials and it does not fail to deliver. After my bumpy start in Saga coming into this store and suddenly seeing familiar brands was a blessing. I ended up finding a very good shampoo and bonus it was bulk buy cheap! Meaning it lasts a very long time. I found several things to help make my home smell nicer and feel cleaner.
The storefront features a fun gimmick with a gatcha arcade, where I’ve pulled some Pokémon cards just for fun. I’ve also discovered some unique ramen brands there. The prices at Drugstore Mori are very reasonable, and they offer an app with a point system. By shopping in-store, you earn points that can eventually be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. Additionally, the app provides coupons for members, which can lead to free items or substantial discounts. The in-store gatcha machine offers the chance to win big, medium, or small prizes! This reflects the Japanese tendency to make everyday aspects of life enjoyable, often through gatcha systems or elements of chance. I’m motivated to download the app and try my luck at winning some coupons!
Recently, the store held an exciting raffle. For every 500 yen spent, customers received a coupon. Once you collected 10 coupons, you could enter the raffle for a chance to win big prizes. Such promotions are common in Japan and could be a key reason why many stores in the country thrive. There is a sense of reward and many of the loyalty programs are useful. If you are in Kyushu, make sure you schedule a stop at a Drugstore Mori!
