Very untrue. You can buy some things there but with 27 years here and a fully stocked and functional kitchen none of which has been supplied by Kappabashi (save some really good knives from that general vicinity), I stand by my correct advice. You may like LAOX better but the big stores offer the best selection for brick and mortar places. 9 times out 10 now though I shop Amazon.
I fully agree. Have lived here for one year less than mjm (先輩！), but same experience. The big stores are very competitive, especially when selling last year's models. Still, Amazon Japan is usually even better and certainly more convenient, and I know that my Japanese wife agrees. On the other hand, if the OP is looking for something with English instructions, I think that it's better to shop at Amazon in your home country.