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Hello Kitty cafes pop-up in Greater Manchester Primark stores for iconic character’s 50th anniversary

This is so cute.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 14th March 2024

Primark has put pop-up Hello Kitty cafes inside two of its biggest Greater Manchester stores to celebrate 50 years of the iconic character.

Can you believe Hello Kitty is turning 50 this year? Time really does fly.

To properly mark the five-decade anniversary, Primark has teamed up with Japanese entertainment company – and Hello Kitty creators – Sanrio to unveil a brand-new collection inspired by the pop culture icon that features more than 100 exciting items across the womenswear, kidswear, and homeware sections.

The fashion retailer says the new range “embodies the timeless charm” of Hello Kitty that all generations know and love.  

From cosy loungewear, and playful accessories, to graphic tees, collectable bags, adorable nightwear, and so much more, each piece of the extensive range is said to be “infused” with the signature kawaii style of the beloved character, according to Primark.

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As part of Primark’s commitment to “providing affordable choices for everyone”, prices for the new collection start at just £1 for accessories, and go up to £25 as the maximum.

In a bid to celebrate the collection and launch it into stores, Primark has also announced the opening of the ‘Hello Kitty Café’ in select locations across the UK – with Primark’s stores in Manchester on Market Street, and at Trafford Palazzo, being two of the locations chosen.

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Customers at the pop-up cafes will, apparently, have the opportunity to be “immersed into the vibrant world of Hello Kitty”.

Open now right through until June, the cafes feature Instagram-worthy décor and serve up an array of limited-edition treats inspired by Hello Kitty, such as sweet waffles and savoury ‘bow’ buns, alongside themed beverages like bubble teas and shakes.

And, if you’re lucky, you might even get to meet Hello Kitty herself when she makes a surprise appearance at the stores over the next few weeks, so keep your eyes peeled.

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“Hello Kitty has been a cultural phenomenon since her debut in 1974, captivating hearts around the globe with her cute aesthetic,” commented Sarah Jackson, who is the Director of Licensing at Primark, as the new collection was unveiled this week.

“At Primark, we pride ourselves on our extensive license offering, and we’re thrilled to reveal our new collection and mark another exciting chapter in Hello Kitty’s enduring legacy.

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“We want to offer our customers an unforgettable in-store experience and we’re delighted to once again transform our Primarket cafés into a Hello Kitty haven in five locations across the UK.”

Featured Image – Primark