Bandai Namco Amusement Europe Ltd is set to expand its physical retail presence in the UK with the opening of a new collection of Bandai Namco Group brand stores at London’s Victoria Place on November 14th. This move follows the launch of the first UK Bandai Namco Cross Store in Camden Market, with plans to open more stores nationwide.
These new stores are a celebration of the physical side of entertainment, showcasing Bandai Namco’s brands. The outlets will feature a variety of products, including GASHAPON collectables, Ichibankuji, and Sun-Star Stationery, catering to the market for Japanese pop-culture items in the UK.
Commenting on this news, John McKenzie, MD of Bandai Namco Amusement Europe, shared:
Once again, the ‘Bandai Namco Group’ are expanding their physical experiences outside of Japan allowing our well-known brands to embrace UK communities, celebrating more fun and collections which continue to build passionate fans. As Japanese culture becomes more loved in the UK market with food, art, anime, gaming and collectables, we continue to embrace this, listen to our fans and deliver rich products as we expand into further parts of the UK.
Furthermore, Hamish Kiernan, Commercial Director of Network Rail shared:
It is great to offer our customers this new and unique offer at London Victoria Station. The opening of Bandai Namco will undoubtedly create excitement and attract new shoppers to Victoria Place. We look forward to supporting its success and are thrilled to be part of their UK expansion.
For those not familiar with some of the brands mentioned above, this is what Bandai Namco Amusement Europe shared on them:
What is GASHAPON?
GASHAPON is BANDAI’s miniature capsule collectables and vending machines. The name is a combination of the “clunk (gasha)” sound made when the handle is turned, and how the capsule “pops (pon)” out of the machine. GASHAPON BANDAI OFFICIAL SHOP is a GASHAPON dedicated capsule collectable shop, featuring many of Bandai’s products. You will be introduced to some of your favourite Japanese characters and an array of on trend miniature collectables.
What is Ichbankuji?
Ichibankuji, meaning ‘Number One Japanese Prize’ where you can randomly get rare toys, figurines and collectables by purchasing a ticket, peel to find the letter and check to see what you’ve got. No one ever loses.
What is Sun-Star Stationery
Sun-Star Stationery is a Japanese company part of the Bandai Namco Group. They create cute (kawaii) and practical stationery and everyday items, including products featuring popular Japanese characters. Enter the world of “Practi-Kawaii” at the Sun-Star Stationery Shop.
