Photo credits: Miniso
As I was dodging a wave of shoppers entering and exiting the Santa Anita Mall last week, I noticed a new store that stood out from the others: Miniso. The storefront was simplistic with a modern design. It was a nice contrast from the glitz and glam typically seen on store displays and mannequins. Standing in front of the glass window panels, I peered within. I was intrigued by this new, fresh take on stress-free shopping.
Photo credits: Miniso
Upon entering, I was pleasantly surprised by the myriad of potential Christmas gifts for my friends, and possibly myself. I was told that Miniso was a new Japanese lifestyle store that sold a variety of small gadgets, stationary, colorful pens, trinkets, and soft plushies. What I found was just that. It was a one-stop shop that had pretty much everything I could think of!
Walking throughout the store, I was surprised by the affordability of all the delightful gifts in my shopping basket. Knowing how expensive it can be to shop for Christmas presents, I was relieved to see pens that sold for $1.50, large plushies for $5.99, travel bottle kits for $1.50, along with an assortment of nail polish, socks, and so much more. Especially noted is the cat plush which was first sold at Miniso for $5.99 at Miniso. This is almost half the price of the exact same cat plush that was later sold at Forever 21 for $9.99.
With over 2,000 stores worldwide, and new store locations in Arcadia, Pasadena, Lakewood, and Moreno Valley, and Santa Ana, there is no need to worry about finding the perfect gift this holiday season.