Where to Buy in the USA
A bit before 2020, Sanrio took off in the USA like never before. While Hello Kitty has been a household icon here since the ‘70s, Millennial and Gen Z blind box lovers and anime fans reinvigorated the brand in North America, creating so much demand that Sanrio products are now sold just about everywhere. Seriously, even the 7-11 down the street has bootleg Hello Kitty blind bags!
What’s even cooler? Big brands are licensing Hello Kitty, My Melody, Kuromi, and all their friends to make high-quality merch you can find at the stores you already love shopping at, like HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and Five Below.
So, which stores are the absolute best for hunting Keroppi? Where can you find the most PomPomPurin loot? Well, here’s the scoop:
The holy grail: Your local authorized Sanrio retailer!
This option doesn’t belong with the rest on this list, because it’s just in another league than your typical big box store. If you’re lucky enough to live near an authorized Sanrio retailer, you can buy Japan-exclusive releases and support a small business! In Boston, we’re lucky to have TeeHee, my personal favorite shop for new Sanrio releases and authentic products from Japan (and Korea!)
1. TJ Maxx / Marshall’s / HomeGoods
These stores are a goldmine for Sanrio fans looking for deals on everything from cute plushes to stationery and home decor. At HomeGoods, you might find the infamous Hello Kitty blankets (resellers love to scoop these up – don’t let them!), mugs, and kitchen towels—perfect for adding a pop of kawaii to your home. Meanwhile, TJ Maxx and Marshall’s are great for affordable Sanrio accessories, like backpacks, wallets, and bags that feature your favorite characters. If you’re lucky, you might even stumble upon Sanrio-themed candles or home decor sets to give your space that extra level of charm!
2. Target
Target is one of the best stores to find Sanrio-themed clothing and accessories, especially for younger collectors. You can find Hello Kitty leggings, My Melody hoodies and tee-shirts, and Keroppi socks—perfect for casual, comfy outfits that still show off your love for these characters. Target also has a fantastic selection of Sanrio-themed home goods, like bedding, storage containers, and pillows. Plus, they regularly stock limited-edition Sanrio collabs with brands like Lip Smackers, so keep an eye out for exclusive merch when new collections drop!
3. Walmart
While Walmart may not be your first stop for high-end Sanrio products, it’s a reliable spot for affordable Sanrio essentials. From blankets and tote bags to Hello Kitty water bottles and notebooks, Walmart has a little something for every budget. You can also find Sanrio character toys, like plush dolls and figures from your favorite characters—perfect for adding to your collection without breaking the bank.
4. Five Below
For a quick and affordable Sanrio haul, head to Five Below. The store is packed with Sanrio-themed goodies at a budget-friendly price point. You’ll find blind bags, stickers, phone cases, and keychains galore. It’s also a great place for Sanrio stationery—from notebooks to pens, if you want to fill your desk with cute, functional products.
5. Hot Topic
Hot Topic has long been a hub for all things anime, kawaii, and alternative fashion—and Sanrio is no exception. Here, you can find a variety of apparel featuring Hello Kitty, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, and other Sanrio characters, from t-shirts to sweaters and accessories. They also carry Sanrio jewelry, like necklaces and earrings, and even pins and patches to personalize your jackets and bags with your favorite characters.
6. Claire’s
If you’re after Sanrio accessories that are on the cute and affordable side, Claire’s is the place to go. From Hello Kitty hair clips to PomPomPurin and Cinnamoroll earrings, Claire’s has a wide range of Sanrio jewelry and accessories that’ll complete any kawaii look. Whether you’re looking for a Sanrio-themed purse or headbands, you’ll find tons of fun and flirty pieces to add to your collection.
7. Primark
A favorite in the UK that’s recently hit US shores, Primark is a hidden gem for those looking for a wide variety of Sanrio merchandise. Known for offering affordable clothing, Primark has an awesome selection of Sanrio-inspired outfits, including Hello Kitty pajamas, My Melody sweatshirts, and Kuromi socks. You’ll also find home decor and stationery, so it’s a great place to stock up on Sanrio merch for every part of your life.
8. BoxLunch
If you’re looking for premium Sanrio products, BoxLunch has a fantastic collection that not only includes Hello Kitty, but even rare characters like Spottie Dottie have recently been featured in exclusive collab merch! They also have a great selection of Sanrio-themed home goods, like mugs, bedding, and clothes and accessories. Plus, BoxLunch frequently collaborates with Sanrio for other exclusive items that you won’t find anywhere else!
9. Miniso
Known for its affordable yet stylish products, Miniso has a surprisingly good selection of Sanrio-themed accessories and home decor you can’t get anywhere else. You can find Hello Kitty stationery, Kuromi makeup bags, and even Sanrio plush toys, bag charms, and blind bags at Miniso stores. It’s a great place to pick up small, functional items that add a cute touch to your daily life.
10. Amazon
Amazon is a reliable go-to for Sanrio products, especially if you’re on the hunt for a wide range of Sanrio toys, plushies, accessories, and stationery. While it’s important to check for authenticity (since it’s a marketplace), Amazon has tons of Sanrio collections from various sellers, so you can often find hard-to-get items. From Sanrio home decor to blind boxes, Amazon’s marketplace is vast and offers something for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hunting for the latest Sanrio blind boxes, character plushes, or cute stationery, these stores are your best bet for finding adorable Sanrio products. From TJ Maxx to Primark, there’s no shortage of places to stock up on Hello Kitty, My Melody, and more. Just keep your eyes peeled for exclusive collabs and seasonal releases, and you’ll be sure to find the cutest merch out there!