(PRESS RELEASE) FAIRFIELD, CT — New England’s premier Anime Superstore, which opened a successful immersive retail establishment in Mystic last year, unveiled a second store in Fairfield, Connecticut, on 226 Kings Highway East recently.
The store, called Arisu, allows fans of Japanese pop culture to experience, through an immersive experience, the vibrancy of Tokyo, from anime merchandise and manga to the food and flavors of an authentic Japanese convenience store.
Arisu is owned by Ellie Greenberg, who besides Arisu has created three other stores under the brand name Wonderlosity. Greenberg is the creative force behind the iconic establishments “Alice in the Village” “Alice’s Haunted Bookshop,” and “The Cloak and Wand,” which, like Arisu, offer brick-and-mortar customers an immersive retail experience.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring this unique oasis for fans of Japanese pop culture to a second region in Connecticut, focusing on Fairfield County and New York state residents,” said Greenberg, who envisions Arisu as a gateway to a full Japanese experience, transporting visitors to the bustling streets of Tokyo.
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Like in Mystic, the store aisles will be filled with an extensive selection of more than 200 anime categories. The manga collection includes more than 1,500 titles and 5,000 books.
At Arisu, interactive elements include Gachapon machines, which offer a surprise with each capsule, and a free retro gaming arcade, where enthusiasts can relive their favorite gaming moments. Elevating the ambiance of Arisu are giant anime statues, captivating visitors with a larger-than-life presence.
Food lovers will be in for a treat with the Japanese market, which showcases authentic and culinary delights. From the largest collection of ramen in New England, to other snacks and ingredients, the food is designed to transport the palate immediately to Japan.
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About Wonderlosity:
Wonderlosity, a unique retail venture, began its journey in 2016 with the opening of “Alice in the Village,” at Olde Mistick Village. Since its inception, the company has experienced remarkable growth, expanding to six locations across Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Looking ahead, Wonderlosity is excited to announce plans for additional locations. The Wonderlosity portfolio includes four distinct retail brands: the whimsical “Alice in the Village,” the mysterious “Alice’s Haunted Bookstore,” the magical The Cloak and Wand,” and the vibrant “Arisu.”
Wonderlosity is not merely a collection of retail stores but a gateway to an enchanting realm where wonder, magic, and curiosity reign supreme. At the heart of the concept is an immersive experience, distinct from conventional retail.
Each store is a unique world in itself, meticulously crafted to captivate and inspire. Alice in the Village” is a delightful tea room inspired by the adventures of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Here, guests can indulge in a magical tea experience, surrounded by the charm of this classic tale. “Alices Haunted Little Bookshop” was built next. This gothic Victorian bookstore is a haven for lovers of the dark and mysterious, offering an extensive collection of marvelously eerie books. For those drawn to the mystical, “Cloak and Wand” awaits. The store pays homage to the wizards and witches of folklore, myth, and legend, creating an enchanting space of the arcane. “Arisu,” which opened in 2023 in Olde Mistick Village and is slated to open a second store in spring in Fairfield, Conn., celebrates the vibrant world of Japanese pop culture. This store is a tribute to the colorful and dynamic spirit of modern Japan and its rich modern cultural landscape.
About Ellie Greenberg:
Ellie Greenberg, the visionary founder of Wonderlosity, was not content with traditional retail models; she envisioned a space where shopping was more than a transaction – it was an immersive experience. She pioneered various immersive retail concepts, setting the foundation for what Wonderlosity would become. Her foresight and innovative approach have been instrumental in creating an environment where customers don’t just shop but engage in a story, a fantasy, a moment of wonder. Each store under the Wonderlosity brand reflects Greenberg’s commitment to creating spaces that are not just stores but destinations – places where imagination is kindled, and every visit is memorable.
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