Bandai Namco Retail Stores to Open at Mall of America
The new specialty stores will offer anime and gaming merchandise, changing the competitive mix for local hobby retailers.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Bandai Namco Cross Store and The Gundam Base are scheduled to open at the Mall of America on October 30, 2026. The launch follows a one-month delay that pushed back the original opening from September 2026.
Why it matters
Operators in the retail space can observe Bandai Namco's expansion strategy as it establishes high-concept, niche-focused brick-and-mortar storefronts in high-traffic entertainment hubs like the Mall of America.
The upcoming debut follows a 1-month delay versus the initial September 2026 launch plan. These new locations mark an expansion of the company's regional presence following the late 2025 opening of a Gundam Base in Rosemont, Illinois.
The players
Bandai Namco
A Japanese multinational entertainment company that operates a large-scale business across toys, video games, and arcade facilities.
The Gundam Base
A retail brand specializing in the sale of plastic model kits and merchandise based on the long-running Gundam anime franchise.
Mall of America
A large-scale, multi-use shopping and entertainment complex located in Bloomington that serves as a major destination for retail operations.
The details
The new stores focus on immersive retail experiences centered on anime and gaming intellectual property. The Gundam Base specifically curates model kits and specialty figures, mirroring the operating model currently deployed at the company's Rosemont location and other international sites. Business operators should monitor how such thematic storefronts integrate into large-scale shopping malls as a strategy to drive foot traffic through specialized fan engagement.
Timeline
End of 2025: The Gundam Base opened in Rosemont, Illinois.
September 2026: The original debut of the stores was delayed.
October 30, 2026: The stores open at the Mall of America.
Market Landscape
The opening follows the industry trend of experiential retail expansion, where brands leverage specialized physical storefronts in major hubs to build community engagement. It builds on the footprint established by the existing Rosemont location, signaling a broader push into the U.S. market.
Retail operators should monitor how this flagship opening influences local consumer demand for specialty merchandise in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Businesses in the same corridor should evaluate whether to adjust their own inventory or store events to capitalize on the anticipated influx of niche-focused foot traffic.
The takeaway
Bandai Namco continues its U.S. retail expansion by betting on highly targeted fan experiences at destination malls. Operators should track the success of these stores as a signal for the viability of niche-category retail in high-cost, high-traffic commercial real estate markets.
What happens next
Bandai Namco is expected to release further operational announcements leading up to the October 30, 2026, debut.
Further reading
For context on how retailers are adapting to current shifts in regional mall traffic, visit our Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Siliconera.
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Would you visit niche hobby-themed retail stores if they opened at a mall in your area?
