The Japanese household goods store Loft has a wide range of high-quality products available. Their unique selection make them popular with both Japanese and foreigners alike.
Loft is a paradise for shoppers looking for unique souvenirs. Some stores offer a corner dedicated to Japanese goods, with products ranging from bookmarks and playing cards to pottery and patterned wall hangings. In the summertime, folding fans and tenugui towels are perfect for beating the heat. Cooler weather sees many shops selling umbrellas with Japanese designs. The large cosmetics department boasts unique facial masks and Japanese-brand lotions. Shoppers may even enjoy a visit to the housewares department to stock up on lacquerware, sushi-making paraphernalia or chopsticks and other kitchen utensils.
Loft is also an excellent place to fulfill any stationary needs. There is a wide range of beautiful paper products, many of which are made from traditional washi paper. Washi is used as a component of several other unique items as well. In the winter, many Loft stores sell special New Year's cards known as nengajo, which are sent to friends and family with best wishes for the coming year. Year-round, a selection of greeting cards can be purchased - cards with summer themes will go on sale beginning in April 2016.
Perhaps one of Loft’s most unique services is their new 3-D printing department (Editor's note: closed in July 2020).
Foreign travelers will find it beneficial to do their shopping at Loft. Visitors who show their foreign passport upon check out will automatically receive a 5% discount on any bill totaling over ¥1080. Several of the store branches also offer a duty free tax refund counter, where visitors who possess a tourist visa stamp in their passport can receive a refund of the 8% sales tax applied to their purchases. To receive this discount, travelers must spend either ¥5,001 (including tax) on expendable supplies (ie food, cosmetics) or their bill must exceed ¥10,001 (including tax) on general supplies (ie appliances, clothing, accessories).
