What is a Home Center and What Can You Buy There?

What is a Home Center（ホームセンター）?

Although it's unclear how the term "home center" originated, as the name suggests, a home center is a store where you can buy various items needed for home use.

They offer a wide range of products, from daily necessities and DIY supplies to furniture.

People visit home centers for different reasons, such as buying daily necessities, DIY supplies, or gardening tools.

What You Can Buy at a Home Center

Home centers offer a wide variety of products, from daily necessities to specialized tools.

Daily Necessities

You can find daily necessities like detergents, toilet paper, and tissues.

Although they also carry some food and beverages, the selection is not as extensive as in supermarkets.

Some stores have their own "private brands(PB)," which are their own exclusive products. Private brands are often cheaper than other products, making them a good deal.

DIY Supplies

DIY stands for "Do It Yourself." Home centers offer a wide range of products for DIY projects, from materials like wood and screws to tools like paint and drills.

Furniture and Storage Items

You can also find large furniture items like desks, chairs, and shelves, as well as storage solutions.

Large furniture is often cheaper if you assemble it yourself, but some stores offer assembly services. They can deliver and assemble the furniture at your home, which is convenient.

Plants and Gardening Supplies

For those who love gardening, home centers are a fun place to visit.
You can buy seeds for flowers and vegetables, as well as houseplants. You can also buy soil, fertilizers, planters, shovels, and other gardening tools.

Pet Supplies

You can find food, toys, and grooming supplies for dogs and cats. Some stores also carry items for birds, fish, and reptiles.

Services Available at Home Centers

Home centers offer various services, which can vary by store. Here are some examples:

Rental of DIY Tools

You can rent tools like drills and saws for a short period. High-quality tools can be expensive, and many people only need them occasionally.

Renting allows you to try out the tools before buying them, and it's cheaper than purchasing. Store staff will explain how to use the tools, so even beginners can feel at ease.

Wood Cutting Service

When doing DIY projects with wood, you often need to cut the wood to the size you need.

This requires specialized tools and can be challenging for beginners. Home centers offer a service to cut wood to your desired size. They use professional tools, so the finish is clean.

Dog Grooming Services

Some home centers with pet supplies also have grooming services for dogs. They offer services like shampooing, trimming hair, and clipping nails.

Gardening Classes

Gardening classes teach you how to grow flowers and vegetables and offer tips on gardening. 

These classes are helpful for those who struggle with plant layout or have trouble growing vegetables successfully.

Home Repair Consultation

You can get advice on home repairs, such as changing light bulbs, fixing doors, or repainting walls. Some services even offer home visits.

In Conclusion

In Japan, home centers are common and can be found almost everywhere, especially in suburban areas.

Home centers offer not only daily necessities but also furniture and gardening supplies.

Some stores are very large, and it's fun to walk around and look at all the products.
Home centers are highly recommended for those who want to start DIY or gardening projects. You can buy everything you need in one place, and some stores offer tool rentals and workshops.