New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month

Bandai Namco, the company behind the popular anime Mobile Suits franchise Gundam, is expanding its presence in the United States with the opening of two new Gundam Base superstores this summer. The first of these stores will open on September 30 at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, making it America's second Gundam Base after the 2025 opening of Gundam Base Chicago.

Despite the harsh winters that might suggest low demand for indoor activities like anime and plastic model kits, the Mall of America's status as the largest shopping center in the country makes it an ideal location for a Gundam Base. This new Minneapolis location will feature "exclusive merchandise," though it is unclear if this means exclusive to the Minneapolis branch or simply exclusive to Gundam Base stores.

The store will also house a variety of otaku-oriented items from Bandai Namco's many franchise partnerships, including Gashapon capsule toys, high-end Tamashii Nations figures, lifestyle goods, and stationery.

The Gundam Base Minneapolis will showcase "exclusive merchandise," though the specifics remain undisclosed. Other Gundam Base locations are also set to open later this fall in Seattle, expanding the brand's reach to the American West. However, the fates of the dismantled components of Tokyo's Unicorn Gundam statue and the whereabouts of the original 1:1-scale Gundam statue remain uncertain.

Bandai Namco has stated that grand opening celebrations, exclusive merchandise, and special events for each location will be announced closer to their respective opening dates.