Nestled in the vibrant heart of London’s Covent Garden, ARTBOX is a delightful gem for fans of Japanese pop culture and adorable merchandise. Located at 44-46 Shelton St, London WC2H 9HZ, this compact shop is a treasure trove of kawaii (cute) items, from Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty and My Melody to Studio Ghibli’s Totoro and J-fashion pieces. With a 4.5-star rating from 994 reviews, ARTBOX has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike.
The shop’s charm lies in its carefully curated selection of products, including plush toys, stationery, clothing, and blind boxes that add an element of surprise to your shopping experience. While the store is small, its themed displays make browsing a joy, though it can get crowded quickly, sometimes requiring a short wait outside. Prices are reasonable for specialty items, though some may find certain products a tad expensive compared to high-street alternatives like Primark or Miniso. However, the quality and exclusivity of ARTBOX’s offerings, many imported from Japan, justify the cost for enthusiasts.
What truly sets ARTBOX apart is its staff. Shoppers consistently praise their warmth, attentiveness, and willingness to help, whether it’s guiding you to the perfect blind box or finding the right size in a J-fashion piece. This personal touch elevates the experience, making every visit feel special. For instance, one customer shared how staff helped pick a blind box to surprise their partner, ensuring they avoided the “wrong” character—a thoughtful gesture that turned a simple purchase into a memorable moment.
ARTBOX is a must-visit for anyone passionate about Sanrio, Pusheen, or Japanese culture. It’s ideal for picking up unique gifts, treating yourself to a cute plush, or simply soaking in the kawaii aesthetic. Be prepared for potential queues and limited mobile reception inside, but the vibrant atmosphere and friendly service make it worth the wait. Whether you’re a dedicated collector or just curious, ARTBOX promises a delightful escape into a world of cuteness.
List of Product Categories at ARTBOX:
- Stationery
- Memo Notes & Pads: Small notepads and memo sheets featuring characters like Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Sumikko Gurashi.
- Notebooks: Larger notebooks for journaling or note-taking, adorned with Sanrio, Pusheen, or Studio Ghibli designs.
- Erasers: Cute character-shaped erasers, such as Cinnamoroll or Pompompurin.
- Pens & Pencils: Gel pens, mechanical pencils, and ballpoint pens with kawaii designs.
- Stickers & Tape: Decorative stickers and washi tape with character prints for crafting or decorating.
- Files & Folders: Document folders and binders with vibrant character themes.
- Letter Sets & Envelopes: Themed writing paper and envelopes, often featuring Little Twin Stars or Rilakkuma.
- Apparatus & Sets: Stationery kits, including pencil cases, rulers, or assorted sticker sets.
- Homeware
- Home & Decor: Decorative items like photo frames, small lamps, or wall clocks with character designs.
- Cushions: Decorative or hug pillows featuring Pusheen, Totoro, or Kuromi.
- Storage: Storage boxes, cosmetic pouches, or small baskets with kawaii patterns.
- Towels: Hand towels or small bath towels printed with Sanrio or San-X characters.
- Bento & Kitchen: Bento lunch boxes, lunch bags, or kitchen cloths with cute designs.
- Cutlery & Tableware: Spoons, forks, or chopsticks with character motifs.
- Glasses, Cups & Mugs: Drinking glasses, mugs, or water bottles featuring Hello Kitty, Gudetama, or BT21.
- Plush & Lifestyle
- Plushies: Soft toys in various sizes, including characters like Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, My Melody, Totoro, and Pusheen.
- Blind Boxes: Mystery boxes containing random mini-figures or toys, such as Sanrio or Studio Ghibli collections.
- Keychains: Character-themed keyrings, often in “chubby” styles for Sanrio or Rilakkuma.
- Lifestyle Items: Tote bags, umbrellas, or handheld fans with kawaii aesthetics.
- Accessories
- Bags & Pouches: Small handbags, cosmetic bags, or coin purses with character prints.
- Jewellery & Hair Accessories: Hair clips, scrunchies, or simple necklaces with cute designs.
- Phone Cases: Phone covers featuring characters like Kuromi, Hello Kitty, or BT21.
- Socks & Apparel: Socks, T-shirts, or hoodies with character prints, including J-fashion brands like AC/DC RAG.
- Travel Accessories: Neck pillows, luggage tags, or travel pouches for on-the-go convenience.
Products by Character and Brand:
ARTBOX stocks items featuring popular characters and brands, including:
- Sanrio: Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, Kuromi, Little Twin Stars, Tuxedo Sam, Gudetama.
- San-X: Rilakkuma, Sumikko Gurashi.
- Pusheen the Cat: Plush toys, stationery, and accessories.
- Studio Ghibli: Totoro, No-Face (Spirited Away).
- BT21: Line Friends characters like Tata, RJ, Chimmy.
- Tokidoki: Unique art-style merchandise.
- Other Brands: Kamio, Iwako, Crux, Q-Lia (primarily stationery and accessories).
Notes:
- Popular Items: Standout products include Sanrio plush toys, bento lunch boxes, and stationery sets, praised for their quality and uniqueness.
- Sourcing: Most items are authentic imports from Japan and Korea, ensuring genuine kawaii appeal.
- Delivery Policy: Free UK delivery on orders over £25, with UK tax removed for international orders.
Contact Details:
- Address: 44-46 Shelton St, London WC2H 9HZ, UK
- Phone: +44 20 7240 0097
- Website: www.artbox.co.uk
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