Keiko Shop opens Chelmsford store selling anime blind boxes

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 21:22 · Archive

Keiko Shop, a UK online retailer specialising in Japanese and Chinese collectibles, has opened its second physical store at The Meadows Shopping Centre in Chelmsford.

Keiko Shop, a UK-based online retailer specialising in Japanese and Chinese collectibles and anime characters, has opened its second physical store at The Meadows Shopping Centre in Chelmsford. The shop's main offering is blind boxes: sealed packages containing collectible figures or toys, with the contents revealed only once opened. These have won a global following, particularly among anime fans and collectors seeking rare or limited-edition items.

The store stocks around 70 different blind and mystery boxes with regularly updated selections from both established and emerging brands from Japan and China. Collections include Baby Three, Emma Secret Forest, Miffy, Pingu, Smiski, Sonny Angel, Studio Ghibli, Pokémon, and Sanrio.

Austin Pannell, the founder, said: 'Chelmsford is an amazing city that I'm incredibly excited to be opening my second shop in. I'm looking forward to bringing something new and unique to the city and hoping that everyone loves these products as much as I do.' The store's opening was marked with goody bags for the first 25 customers.

Keiko Shop plans to host community events and run a noticeboard for local collectors and enthusiasts. The shop follows the company's first physical store, which opened in Norwich.

Keiko Shop opens Chelmsford store selling anime blind boxes — Image: Echo (Basildon)

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How it is being reported

Store selling viral 'blind boxes' opens at Essex shopping centreKeiko Shop opens at The Meadows Shopping Centre in Chelmsford, bringing anime, Japanese and Chinese collectibles, blind boxes and mystery toys to Essex.Echo (Basildon) · 6 Nov, 20:49
Store selling viral 'blind boxes' opens at Essex shopping centreKeiko Shop opens at The Meadows Shopping Centre in Chelmsford, bringing anime, Japanese and Chinese collectibles, blind boxes and mystery toys to Essex.Brentwood Guardian · 6 Nov, 20:49
Store selling viral 'blind boxes' opens at Essex shopping centreKeiko Shop opens at The Meadows Shopping Centre in Chelmsford, bringing anime, Japanese and Chinese collectibles, blind boxes and mystery toys to Essex.Colchester Gazette · 6 Nov, 20:49

In this story: Keiko Shop · The Meadows Shopping Centre · Chelmsford · Austin Pannell · Norwich

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