On March 19, 2025, the Bandai Namco Group will celebrate the opening of three new official character goods shops at Lalaport Iwata, located in Shizuoka Prefecture. This initiative highlights the company’s commitment to providing exceptional entertainment experiences to its customers and enhancing local culture.
The new establishments include the Ichiban Kuji Official Shop, showcasing exclusive lottery products; the BANDAI CANDY OFFICIAL SHOP, featuring entertainment candies and figures; and the Gashapon Bandai Official Shop, the 10th location of its kind within Shizuoka. This selective rollout reinforces Bandai Namco's strategy to expand its footprint and provide more engaging shopping experiences.
Located on the second floor of Lalaport Iwata, the shops aim to deliver smiles and unforgettable memories to their customers. The total facility area allocated to each shop varies: the Ichiban Kuji Official Shop spans approximately 41.8 square meters, the Gashapon Bandai Official Shop occupies around 86.9 square meters, and the BANDAI CANDY OFFICIAL SHOP covers about 30.9 square meters.
Customers visiting the Ichiban Kuji Official Shop will have the chance to participate in lotteries where high-quality character merchandise can be won, contributing to the thrill of the shopping experience. Starting on the opening day, the first 1,000 visitors will be rewarded with exclusive original Ichiban Kuji stickers as part of the opening celebration.
The Gashapon Bandai Official Shop, featuring 350 capsule toy machines, will offer exclusive items, allowing fans to enjoy unique capsule toy experiences. Every item is available for around 300 yen per try, ensuring accessibility for visitors. The shop is part of Bandai’s effort to promote its Gashapon brand and introduce new products straight from the manufacturers.
From March 18 to March 27, 2025, the Gashapon Bandai Official Shop will also host a special follow and repost campaign via X (formerly Twitter). Participants who follow three specified accounts and repost the campaign message will have the chance to win one of three Gashapon machines, boosting engagement and excitement leading up to the store's opening.
The BANDAI CANDY OFFICIAL SHOP emphasizes variety and joy, featuring characters and candy products well-loved by consumers. It aims to provide both tasty treats and collectible figures, ensuring there’s something for every fan to enjoy. Customers can find everything from popular gummy products to themed chocolate sets, making it impossible to leave empty-handed.
Opening hours for these shops are from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, making them accessible for both family visits and gaming enthusiasts alike. This all-day availability will allow local and visiting customers to enjoy the wide array of products and experiences offered.
These shops, characterized by their friendliness and inviting atmosphere, aim to build strong connections with the community. By contributing laughter and delightful moments, the Bandai Namco Group hopes to create lasting relationships with customers and visitors to Iwata.
The shops, which thrive on character merchandising, are integral to Bandai Namco's global strategy focused on innovation and customer satisfaction. With fresh offerings and interactive experiences, the company aims to capture the hearts of children and adults alike.
Ensuring high-quality entertainment and merchandise, the Bandai Namco Group continues to invest not only in physical spaces like these shops but also experiences via digital platforms. Customers can expect to see continuous updates and new offerings through Bandai’s websites and social media channels.
The opening of the Bandai Namco official shops at Lalaport Iwata promises to be more than just a retail experience; it is set to be a gathering space for fans of all ages, celebrating popular culture across the generations.
Retail outlets like these play significant roles, acting as hubs for the communities where they operate. The local economy stands to benefit as enthusiasts flock to the area for unique shopping experiences exclusive to the brand.
With its position solidified as one of the key players within the entertainment industry, Bandai Namco is working diligently to push boundaries. The new shops are a stepping stone toward enhancing the overall character goods market, continually adapting to meet consumer demands.
Shoppers can expect exciting new announcements as Bandai Namco introduces more products throughout the coming months, ensuring continual reasons for fans to return. Each store is also equipped to handle crowd management effectively, ensuring enjoyable experiences without excessive waiting times.
The Bandai Namco Group’s vision for expansion reflects their dedication to creating vibrant environments where customers feel welcomed and valued. These developments are just part of their greater strategy to enchant customers with fantastic products and memorable experiences.
Through these shops, Bandai looks forward to not just being part of the shopping routine but becoming part of cherished memories. The essence of the brand embodies fun and connection, and with each customer interaction, the team aims to create those memorable connections.
