August 19, 2025

Don Quijote’s Next Big Move: A Supermarket Revolution

Cheap groceries, fresh meals, and daily essentials coming to your neighborhood

yu_photo - stock.adobe.com

Pan Pacific International Holdings (PPIH)—the company behind the famously chaotic and beloved Don Quijote—is about to stir things up in the supermarket world. Starting in 2026, the retail giant will roll out a brand-new store brand focused on food, fresh meals, and everyday bargains.

Around 60% of the shelves will be stocked with groceries at discounted prices, perfect for singles and young couples cooking at home more often these days. It’s Donki’s quirky bargain spirit, now heading straight into your kitchen.

From Discount Jungle to Dinner Table

The first store will open in the Chukyo region in early 2026, inside a renovated Piago supermarket run by subsidiary Uny. By June, five stores will be up and running, with plans to expand to the Tokyo metropolitan area and beyond. Long-term, PPIH has its sights set on 300 stores by 2035, aiming to rival big-name chains like Life Corporation and hit ¥600 billion in sales.

Unlike Donki’s neon-lit late-night vibe, these stores will feel more like your neighborhood supermarket—about 1,650 square meters each, stocking fresh vegetables, meat, fish, and even ready-to-eat meals cooked right on site. But don’t worry, they won’t lose the Donki flavor: cosmetics and daily goods will still be in the mix, helping to keep food prices lower than the store down the street.

Everyday Shopping, Donki Style

The new brand is designed for everyday visits, not just the occasional late-night treasure hunt. While Don Quijote stores often sit near train stations and shopping hubs, this new chain will pop up in residential neighborhoods, making it a quick stop for tonight’s dinner or tomorrow’s lunch.

And it’s not just about food—PPIH is also cooking up a digital advantage. Its majica e-money system has linked with JCB’s QUICPay, meaning shoppers can now pay at 3 million locations nationwide, from restaurants to retailers. That means more data, smarter marketing, and sharper deals ahead.

Meanwhile, Japan’s supermarket industry is booming: sales are forecast to hit ¥16 trillion in 2024, up 7% in three years, driven by a big appetite for ready-to-eat meals since the pandemic. PPIH’s new stores aim to ride that wave—with a Donki twist.