{Event} Sanrio’s 50th Anniversary Small Gift Mobile Pop-Up Shop Tour

Any designer who is a designer knows about Sanrio, the creator of the ultimate emblem of kawaii – Hello Kitty. Their company motto “Small Gift, Big Smile” continues to charm many fans around the world.  This year marks Sanrio’s 50th Anniversary and, in collaboration with Target, launched the Small Gift Mobile Pop-Up Shop Tour across the United States.

Sanrio inventory truck parked at 36th Street & Broadway

The Pop-Up Shop made its last stop in New York City on Thursday & Friday.  Even the sub-zero like weather did not deter the huge mass of kitty fans gathering to pay homage to Hello Kitty (including this designer).

Sanrio fans waiting for the Pop-Up Shop to open

One key element which sets Sanrio as a company apart from others is the personable nature of their staff and genuine joy they exude in serving their customers.

Another key factor which continues to ensure Sanrio’s success even after fifty years is their ability to capture the hearts of children.  This is followed by the launch of practical products which keep young customers company as they grow up.

The crowd of adult customers in front of the Pop-Up Shop

Nowadays, there is a Sanrio product for everything imaginable, ranging from toilet paper to electric toasters and Hello Kitty roombas. To make Sanrio products exclusive,  most of them are limited edition.  Therefore, if you missed your chance at getting your hands on that Hello Kitty Antiprima purse, chances are you will not find it again.

Limited edition Cube Plushies only available for sale at the Pop-Up Shop

Amongst collaborations with famous and popular brand name labels, Hello Kitty herself has also attained a celebrity-like status.   On facebook alone, her fan page has over 3 million followers.  One security guard responsible for manning the line at the pop-up shop said, “A few days ago, I was guarding Angelina Jolie and today I’m guarding Hello Kitty!”

Everyone's kawaii celebrity Hello Kitty emerges to greet her fans.

The question therefore is, have you had your “small gift, big smile” today?

For more photos from the NYC Pop-Up Shop event, please visit our facebook page.