Universal Parks and Resorts have entered into a partnership with Sanrio to bring the huge world of Hello Kitty to the United States with massive interactive retail shops. Hello Kitty is a global phenomenon that spans over three decades, first appearing in 1974. The Hello Kitty brand is worth about $7 billion dollars annually, and that’s without any advertising. Hello Kitty has already made a huge fan presence with “Hello Kitty Con” and a record breaking museum exhibit with ‘Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty’ at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. There’s even a touring production making it’s way through the US and Canada. So, it should come as no surprise that Universal is making this huge partnership to bring all new interactive shops to their Hollywood and Orlando theme parks.
The retail shops will first appear at Universal Studios Hollywood in the near future, and eventually make it’s way to Orlando. The new shops will feature several interactive elements, and will even allow you to meet Hello Kitty herself. The new shop will have merchandise will be devoted to Hello Kitty, as well as other Sanrio properties, such as Chococat, My Melody, Badtz-Maru, Purin and Keroppi. Universal branded merchandise will be available, as well as the abillity to create souvenir versions of Hello Kitty’s signature bow.
“Our partnership with Universal brings Sanrio’s experiential entertainment presence to a new level,” said Janet Hsu, President and COO of Sanrio, Inc. “We look forward to this introduction into Universal theme parks to offer new connection points to Sanrio fans of all ages.”
There is currently no time frame, or location for the new shops, but look for them within the next few months.
Currently, Universal has a partnership with Hello Kitty in their Japan theme park. The theme park has a Hello Kitty area, complete with a boutique, and spinning cupcake ride.
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