The Miniso shop in Times Square is a fun pit stop for tourists, especially if you're into anime or looking for cute Japanese-inspired products.
My cousin, who's a huge anime fan visiting from South America, was really excited to check it out. What really caught her eye was a giant Luffy decal on the storefront.
We hadn't planned to go in, but that definitely pulled us inside!
Security was present but not overbearing, and the vibe was chilled, almost like a convention center alleyway--busy, but laid back, where you could freely browse without feeling rushed.
There was a good mix of stuff, so whether you're tall like me or shorter, you won't have trouble browsing.
One thing to keep in mind, though--the aisles are pretty narrow, so if you're carrying a bag or backpack, you might accidentally knock something over.
A lot of the products are hooked onto wall prongs, so it's easy to bump into things.
While Miniso is known for its anime merch, we were a little let down by the selection.
My cousin was hoping to see more Attack on Titan or Jujutsu Kaisen gear, but it was mostly One Piece, Dragon Ball, and Gundam stuff.
Sadly, there wasn't any Sailor Moon merchandise, which was a bummer.
That said, there were tons of One Piece items, with Chopper-themed stuff really standing out.
There were also Hello Kitty products and imported snacks like Hi-Chew (which I personally love over Starburst), Japanese Oreos, and other fun treats.
But something we didn't see, and kind of expected, was any manga or DVDs.
It felt like a missed chance, considering the store's focus on Japanese pop culture.
Another section that stood out was the perfume aisle, where I found a cherry blossom spray that I really liked. I think it was called Sakura Soft Spray.
There were other scents in different colors, like blue, green, and yellow, but I didn't get around to trying them.
Another notable part of the store was its collection of non-branded, original plushies.
One such item was a cute, bunny-like character, or a pair of penguins, which seemed to be created purely for its adorable design rather than being linked to any anime or TV show.
These types of plushies are part of Miniso's strategy to offer quirky, non-licensed merchandise, which adds a sense of "cute for cute's sake."
While they might not have the same appeal for those seeking recognizable characters, they could be a fun addition for anyone looking to decorate their home with whimsical, Kawaii-style items.
Prices ranged from $10 to $20, depending on the size, which may feel a bit steep for a non-branded item, but for those who appreciate these cute, non-licensed designs, it could be worth it.
Overall, Miniso is worth checking out if you're in the area and love anime or Japanese pop culture.
It's a fun place to browse, but it's not really a destination for serious anime collectors.
If you're on a budget, you could pick up a small snack or a cute mini plushie without spending much.
For us, though, nothing really grabbed us enough to make a purchase.
The aisles felt a bit cramped, and the anime section didn't have enough variety to make it a must-buy stop. read more