Ebisu Life Store opened at 836 Rockville Pike, the former location of Shah and Patel Grocery, last January. The store has recently expanded to take over what was formerly home to Mattress Frame, with additional signage being put up today (photo below). In addition to the new signage, Ebisu is adding Gashapon, also known as gachapon, toy vending machines.
Per Japan Crate: “Gashapon are vending machines that sell capsule toys and other tiny products for a few hundred yen almost everywhere in Japan. They can be seen lining the Tokyo streets, restaurants, and retail malls. Gashapon toys is a distinctive feature of Japan and a compulsive type of amusement. The most thrilling moment is when you can finally open the capsule and see what’s inside after you’ve put some coins in the machine and started it. Items obtained from capsules inside gashapon machines are extremely well-liked and affordable. It features toys and trinkets such as keychains, figurines, and pouches of various kinds. You’ll need to be extremely lucky if there is something specific you are looking for to receive it on your first try.”
Ebisu uses a very well-lit large single-room layout where each of its products are segmented into general sections. Ebisu offers a range of products similar to a miniature supermarket, but in a smaller space than traditional larger supermarkets. Ebisu’s display shelves are also catered to each type of product they hold. The stores feature large aesthetic displays of toys and plushies in corners and in the middle of the aisles, with cosmetic and jewelry displays are behind illuminated glass enclosures.
