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Tag: merch

  • Animate Revives Anime Merch Magic in Hong Kong: New Store Promises Authentic Japanese Shopping Experience

    Animate Revives Anime Merch Magic in Hong Kong: New Store Promises Authentic Japanese Shopping Experience

    Animate, a popular retailer of Japanese anime merchandise, has made a comeback in Hong Kong by inaugurating a new store in Mong Kok. This move comes a few years after it shut down its previous location.

    The retailer initially launched in Mong Kok back in 2012 and managed to operate for nearly eight years before closing its doors in 2020. Alongside the store closure, Animate Cafe, also recognized as Youme Cafe, ceased operations as well.

    The latest Animate outlet is situated on the fourth floor of the TOP (This Is Our Place) shopping mall in Mong Kok. The company disclosed that the decision to operate the store under a direct management model will permit swifter access to new anime merchandise. This includes not only peripherals but also manga and audiovisual products.

    Additionally, the revamped operation model will expediently hasten product launch timelines. It will also offer customers a shopping experience more akin to Animate’s stores in Japan.

    Animate expressed optimism about the new store serving as a communication hub for anime enthusiasts in Hong Kong. The company anticipates it will attract a larger number of both local and international visitors.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of Animate choosing a direct management model for its new store?
    Adopting a direct management model allows Animate to provide faster access to the latest anime merchandise. It also expedites product launch timelines, enhancing the overall shopping experience for customers.

    Where is the new Animate store located?
    The new Animate store is located on the fourth floor of the TOP (This Is Our Place) shopping mall in Mong Kok, Hong Kong.

    What does Animate hope for its new store in Hong Kong?
    Animate has great expectations for its new store to become a communication hub for anime fans in Hong Kong. It also aims to attract a larger number of both local and overseas visitors.

  • KFC Unveils Butterbear Merchandise: New Trend Sweeps Fast-food Giant In Singapore

    KFC Unveils Butterbear Merchandise: New Trend Sweeps Fast-food Giant In Singapore

    Step aside, Labubu. A new captivating character is capturing our affections, and it doesn’t hail from Pop Mart. The Butterbear, a charming mascot from Thai bakery Butterbear, is quickly gaining fame. So, it was only a matter of time before brands jumped on the trend with an appealing collaboration. Leading the way in Singapore is the fast-food giant, KFC, which recently unveiled a delightful range of collectible Butterbear merchandise that fans will surely find irresistible.

    The Butterbear Boom

    This comes in the wake of the successful Mofusand launch for the Chinese New Year 2025. The launch included items like soft toy keychains, stickers, and red packets decorated with cats.

    KFC Meets Butterbear

    In keeping with the current rage for blind boxes, the KFC x Butterbear collection intriguingly includes surprise keychains. Collectors can seek out four different designs from October 15 to November 25, 2025, while stocks last. Each design draws inspiration from a different beloved item on the KFC menu: the egg tart, the Zinger, the drumstick, and the chicken bucket.

    To secure one of these keychains for $12.95, customers need to purchase either the Thai-Thai Saucy Chicken Box ($13.95) or the Thai-Thai Saucy Bites Box ($11.95). These are new limited-edition offerings that are part of the collaboration. The Thai-Thai Saucy Chicken Box offers a spicy, tangy, Thai-inspired version of KFC’s hot and crispy chicken, while the Thai-Thai Saucy Bites Box features boneless chicken pieces doused in the same distinctive sauce.

    Additionally, the menu features Thai fritters with condensed milk ($4.40 for four pieces), which can be thought of as the Thai twist on you tiao.

    A Rewarding Experience

    Early birds will be rewarded for their punctuality with Butterbear stickers. To claim these, they simply need to purchase two breakfast Twister buddy meals for $12. This offer is valid for both dine-in and takeaway orders. But fear not, night owls; those who prefer to order their Thai-Thai Saucy Chicken or Bites Box via KFC delivery can also snag a pair of red KFC Butterbear long socks for $5.95. If they choose to order via Grab, they can get a green version of the socks instead.

    Butterbear Plush Crossbody Bag

    One of the collection’s highlights is undoubtedly the KFC Butterbear plush crossbody bag. This accessory allows you to carry your essentials and your buttery buddy wherever you go. The bag, like the blind boxes, is purchasable with any order of the Thai-Thai Saucy Chicken or Bites Box. But act fast, as only 3,000 are available across selected KFC outlets in Singapore.

    These outlets include: Plaza Singapura, West Mall, Bedok Town Square, Causeway Point, HarbourFront Centre, Nex, Jurong Point, Lot One, Compass One, Northpoint City, Toa Payoh, Tampines Mall, Star Vista, Novena Square, and Admiralty Place.

    Questions & Answers

    What are some of the items included in the KFC x Butterbear collection?
    The KFC x Butterbear collection includes surprise keychains, Butterbear stickers, red and green KFC Butterbear long socks, and a KFC Butterbear plush crossbody bag.

    How can one acquire items from the KFC x Butterbear collection?
    The items can be obtained by purchasing certain meals from KFC, such as the Thai-Thai Saucy Chicken Box or the Thai-Thai Saucy Bites Box. Some items are offered as rewards for purchasing specific meals or placing orders through certain platforms.

    Where can the KFC x Butterbear collection be found?
    The collection is available at 15 selected KFC outlets across Singapore, including Plaza Singapura, West Mall, Bedok Town Square, and Causeway Point, among others.