Discount retailer Don Quijote Holdings Co. Ltd. was once the industry's enfant terrible, overturning standard retail practices with its cluttered and chaotic stores that sell everything from faux leopard-skin rugs to designer watches.

These days, however, Donki — as it is popularly known — is more of a role model, defying Japan's weak retail environment to last week report its 29th year of unbroken sales and profit growth.

With sales projected to hit ¥1 trillion ($9 billion) this year, Donki is joining the ranks of the country's retail heavyweights, among the likes of Aeon Co., Uniqlo parent Fast Retailing Co. and convenience store operator Seven & I Holdings Co.