Second U.S. locations of both retail concepts to open September 30, bringing GUNPLA, collectibles, toys, games, and more to fans across the Midwest

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bandai Namco Amusement America Inc. (BNAA) and Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles (BNTCA) are excited to announce the opening of Bandai Namco Cross Store Minneapolis, MN and THE GUNDAM BASE Minneapolis (G-BASE) at Mall of America on September 30, 2026. Both stores will mark the second U.S. locations for their respective retail concepts, expanding Bandai Namco’s growing retail presence and bringing even more opportunities for fans to experience and collect their favorite brands under one roof.

The dual opening represents a significant milestone in Bandai Namco Amusement America’s continued expansion of its retail business throughout North America. Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, Mall of America serves as a major consumer destination for North America and welcomes more than 32 million visitors annually from around the world. The destination’s scale, diverse audience, and reputation for immersive retail experiences make it an ideal location to introduce these two concepts to fans throughout the region.

Also opening September 30, Bandai Namco Cross Store Minneapolis, MN will mark the second U.S. location of the immersive retail experience, following the success of the first U.S. location at Japan Village in Brooklyn, New York.

Bandai Namco Cross Store brings together a diverse collection of official shops and entertainment brands in one destination, allowing fans to discover a wide range of products spanning character goods, toys, games, collectibles, stationery, plush, and more.

The Minneapolis location will feature 15 official shops and brands, including:

• BANDAI CANDY OFFICIAL SHOP ～COLLECTION～
• BANDAI CARD GAMES OFFICIAL STORE
• Bandai Namco Anime Station
• BANDAI HOBBY SHOP
• BANDAI TOYS
• BANPRESTO OFFICIAL SHOP
• GASHAPON® BANDAI OFFICIAL SHOP
• ICHIBANSHO FIGURE
• LIFESTYLE BANDAI
• MEGA KAWAII SHOP
• Namco
• NUICOLLE SHOP
• Sun-Star Stationery Shop
• TAMAGOTCHI SHOP
• TAMASHII NATIONS

To celebrate the opening, Bandai Namco Cross Store Minneapolis will offer multiple gifts with purchase from participating brands, giving fans even more ways to commemorate their visit. In addition, customers will receive a free branded Bandai Namco Cross Store tote bag with any purchase, while supplies last.

With an assortment spanning beloved Japanese character brands, collectibles, hobby products, games, plush, and lifestyle merchandise, Bandai Namco Cross Store Minneapolis will offer something for fans of all ages and interests.

THE GUNDAM BASE is an official GUNPLA destination created for GUNDAM fans around the world. Following the opening of THE GUNDAM BASE Chicago in December 2025, the Minneapolis location will be the second G-BASE in the United States, further strengthening access to GUNPLA for fans in the Midwest. The expansion is part of Bandai Namco’s broader strategy to deepen its connection with GUNDAM fans and grow the GUNDAM business throughout North America.

The store will offer a wide selection of GUNPLA, including exclusive and limited-edition model kits, tools, accessories, and other GUNDAM merchandise. Fans can also explore displays and exhibits showcasing the world of GUNDAM and GUNPLA, creating an immersive destination for both longtime builders and those discovering GUNPLA for the first time.

To celebrate the grand opening, THE GUNDAM BASE Minneapolis will feature exclusive merchandise, including the following:

MG 1/100 THE GUNDAM BASE LIMITED RX-78-2 Ver. 3.0 [THE GUNDAM BASE COLOR]

RG 1/144 THE GUNDAM BASE LIMITED WING GUNDAM ZERO EW [CLEAR COLOR]

HaroPla THE GUNDAM BASE LIMITED HARO [THE GUNDAM BASE COLOR]

Fans who spend $100 or more at THE GUNDAM BASE Minneapolis will also receive a clear, branded THE GUNDAM BASE fanny pack as a gift with purchase, while supplies last.

A New Destination for Fans at Mall of America

The simultaneous opening of Bandai Namco Cross Store Minneapolis, MN and THE GUNDAM BASE Minneapolis underscores Bandai Namco’s commitment to expanding its retail experiences beyond traditional coastal markets and bringing its brands closer to fans throughout North America.

Mall of America provides a strategic opportunity to connect with a broad audience while creating a destination where fans can shop, discover, build, collect, and connect with their communities. With its international reputation and millions of annual visitors, the destination offers an ideal platform for Bandai Namco’s continued retail growth and for introducing new audiences to the company’s expanding portfolio of experiences.

“We’re excited to continue expanding THE GUNDAM BASE and Bandai Namco Cross Store across the United States with the opening of our new locations in Minneapolis,” said Bandai Namco Amusement America President & CEO Kunito Komori. “We look forward to welcoming both new and longtime fans of Bandai Namco to celebrate with us.”

For more information and assets, please visit our official blog.

Bandai Namco Cross Store Minneapolis, MN and THE GUNDAM BASE Minneapolis will officially open to the public on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. Additional information regarding opening-day activities, exclusive merchandise, gifts with purchase, and store hours will be announced prior to the opening. Follow on social media for official announcements.

About Bandai Namco Cross Store
The Bandai Namco Cross Store has a variety of real touchpoints where you can “see,” “touch,” and “experience” the characters, products, and events developed by BANDAI NAMCO Group companies. It provides a unique retail experience that offers a wide range of Bandai Namco products and entertainment.

About THE GUNDAM BASE
THE GUNDAM BASE is an official GUNPLA facility for GUNDAM fans around the world. Aiming to expand the GUNPLA business globally, the company has opened official GUNPLA stores and facilities around the world.

About Bandai Namco Amusement America
Bandai Namco Amusement America Inc. (BNAA) delivers immersive entertainment experiences through arcade games, location-based attractions, and innovative retail destinations across North America, creating spaces where fans can connect, engage, and build community. The company develops, distributes, installs, and services industry-leading amusement equipment for entertainment venues while also providing home amusement products and comprehensive post-sale support.

Through its Intellectual Property (IP) Retail Division, BNAA continues to expand the reach of Bandai Namco’s iconic brands by operating specialty retail stores, pop-up experiences, and events featuring globally beloved franchises, including Gashapon® Bandai Official Shop, ONE PIECE CARD GAME Official Shop, THE GUNDAM BASE USA, and more.

BNAA also partners with entertainment venues, family entertainment centers, and other location-based businesses to deliver complete arcade solutions, from equipment selection and installation to ongoing maintenance and technical support, bringing some of the industry’s most popular gaming experiences to audiences across North America.

ABOUT MALL OF AMERICA^®
At 5.6 million square feet, Mall of America is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America with up to 500 world-class retail stores and restaurants; Nickelodeon Universe, a 7-acre indoor theme park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium; FlyOver America; Crayola Experience; and more. The Mall opened in 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul and adjacent to MSP International Airport. Follow Mall of America on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. Listen to So Much More – a Mall of America podcast, on all major platforms or watch on YouTube. Download the Mall of America app from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.

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SOURCE Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America, Inc.