Hello Kitty retail store opens at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando has begun soft openings for their new Hello Kitty-themed retail store at Universal Studios Florida.

Located near the front of the park in the former Lucy Tribute space, the store marks Hello Kitty’s official retail debut at theme parks in North America. Inside guests can find specialty merchandise including stationery, home goods, apparel, accessories and collectibles. Specialty co-branded Hello Kitty Universal park-exclusive products are expected to be available in the future.

When the Hello Kitty store was first announced in June 2015, a few enhanced interactive retail experiences were mentioned to be included, such as custom designed merchandise and photo opportunities with Sanrio properties. Since the store is in a soft opening phase, those experiences may or may not come at a later time.

Two additions that will debut in the future are create-your-own souvenir versions of Hello Kitty’s bow and a meet and greet with Hello Kitty herself.

Betty Boop and Universal-branded merchandise are still available in the space, with Hello Kitty taking over the area of the building that Lucy was in.

See our video tour from inside the Hello Kitty store below.