Bic Camera is a well-known and reliable chain of electronic stores in Japan that sell all kinds of electrical goods and equipment at extremely reasonable prices. Its chief competitor in this field is the equally popular Yodobashi Camera chain of electronics stores. In terms of prices and service the two chains are pretty much the same but they do have a slightly different range of goods on offer. In Osaka Yodobashi Camera have a major store in Umeda and Bic Camera have their competing store in Namba.
Bic Camera in Namba
Bic Camera in Namba has seven floors of electronics. If you are looking for computers, games, cameras, the latest audio-visual equipment, rice cookers or any other electrical appliance this is the place to come. However, it’s a good idea to remember that products here are made for the Japanese market. You should remember to check each product’s language functionality before buying it, and be sure each purchase comes with a manual in your language too! In this store there is a special section of popular goods for overseas customers on the 5th floor so you may want to save yourself some time and head straight there. Here are the highlights of the store.
The 1st floor is dominated by mobile phones and smartphones
The 1st floor is predominantly taken up with mobile phones and smartphones. However, you can also find bicycles on sale here and a liquor store too.
The 1st floor liquor store
If you have any queries you can ask at the Information desk which is just inside the entrance. Here you can also pick up a multi-lingual floor guide in English, Korean, Chinese, and Thai. If you need help choosing or buying a product you can also ask for the interpretation call service. Staff can call an interpreter for you in several languages: English, Korean, Chinese, and Thai.
The Information desk
On the 2nd floor you will find cameras and camera equipment, clocks and watches, travel equipment and suitcases.
2nd floor cameras
The 3rd floor has TVs, radios, electric instruments, and other audio visual equipment.
Head to the 3rd floor for TVs and home theater systems
Computers, computer equipment, and software are all sold on the 4th floor.
4th floor computers
The 5th floor has a variety of household appliances, electric shavers, hair dryers, vacuum cleaners, lighting equipment, and a section of tax free goods for overseas customers.
Rice cookers in the goods for overseas section
On the 6th floor you can find air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, kitchen appliances, and massage chairs.
Espresso machines on the 6th floor
Games, toys, puzzles, outdoor equipment and fitness equipment are all on the 7th floor.
Toys for kids are on the 7th floor
Game consoles and software on the 7th floor
There are actually two floors above Bic Camera which do not stock electronics. On the 8th floor there is a 100 yen thrift store.
Cheap goods on the 8th floor
On the 9th floor there is a specialty large sized clothing store for men called Grand-Back.
Grand-Back on the 9th floor
Access
Bic Camera is located midway between the Namba and Nippombashi subway stations and just outside the entrance to the Sennichimae shopping arcade. Namba Subway Station is a 3 minute walk to the west and Nippombashi Subway Station is a 4 minute walk to the east.
Open: 365 days a year from 10:00 – 21:00
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.
