USA: Sanrio and Universal Parks & Resorts Open New Hello Kitty® Retail Store

The recently opened Hello Kitty shop at Universal Studios Florida is Sanrio’s retail-debut and at the same time Hello Kitty’s first appearance at a theme park in North America. The new shopping experience around the cute little cat has been opened for park visitors since 31^st March this year and is located along the theme park’s Hollywood Boulevard. It offers the merchandise in four specially themed areas – in “Hello Kitty Sweet Yummy Shop”, customers can buy confectionary and sweets, in “Hello Kitty and Friends Town” they get gifts and stationery. Loungewear and home goods can be found at “Hello Kitty Lounge” and in the “Hello Kitty at the Movies” area, Universal presents its own exclusive Hello Kitty products. “As Sanrio’s first official retail debut at a theme park in North America, the Hello Kitty Shop offers a new retail experience for fans of all ages,” said Jill Koch, Sr. Vice President of Brand Management and Marketing at Sanrio, Inc. The partnership with Universal delivers a new touch point for the brand through special products. Additional Sanrio characters like Chococat®, My Melody® and Badtz-Maru® will also be featured in this concept. New products and designs will be released regularly so fans can always find something new. (eap)