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Popping into Rilakkuma with MomoKumo in NYC

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By: burgundy bug

MomoKumo outside of the Rilakkuma pop-up shop in Times Square, New York, NY

Source: Rilakkuma Store Feat. MomoKumo // PT. I | Penelope Peru Photography P3

MomoKumo and I couldn’t embrace our inner tourists in New York City without showing Rilakkuma a whole lotta love, as well.

A Bit of Context…

Bee-themed Rilakkumas and Kiiroitoris at the Rilakkuma pop-up shop in New York, NY

Source: Rilakkuma Store Feat. MomoKumo // PT. II | Penelope Peru Photography P3

Rilakkuma is a character from San-X, a Japanese stationery company that delighted the world with characters such as Rilakkuma, Sumikkogurashi, and Tarepanda.

The loveable, lazy, brown bear’s name Rilakkuma translates to “bear in relaxed mode,” according to the official San-X website, which perfectly captures his aesthetic.

Rilakkuma’s background

Source: Rilakkuma Store Feat. MomoKumo // PT. I | Penelope Peru Photography P³

Rilakkuma first made his debut in 2003, according to an article published inthe Journal of Media and Culture.

Since then, Rilakkuma has been promoting relaxation and self-care across the world in the form of stationary, key chains, plushies, and so on.

Rilakkuma Pop-Up Shop in Times Square

MomoKumo with Korilakkuma at the Rilakkuma pop-up shop in New York, NY

Source: Rilakkuma Store Feat. MomoKumo // PT. II | Penelope Peru Photography P³

The Rilakkuma pop-up shop cropped it’s way into the heart of Manhattan in Sept 2018, but will be closing its doors on Apr 28th, according to Xena Babillo, a sales representative at the store.

Located on 1501 Broadway, New York, NY, the quaint store is filled to the gills with a myriad of everything Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, and Kiiroitori.

“I’d say we see about 400, maybe 500 customers a day,” Babillo said.

Bug’s Two Cents

MomoKumo with Korilakkuma at the Rilakkuma pop-up shop in New York, NY

Source: Rilakkuma Store Feat. MomoKumo // PT. II | Penelope Peru Photography P³

MomoKumo and I had three goals when we entered the Rilakkuma pop-up shop on Broadway:

  1. Meet Rilakkuma
  2. Get something for ourselves
  3. Get the perfect souvenirs for everyone else

Unfortunately, the Rilakkuma mascot only stops by the store every once in a blue moon, during occasions and what not.

Although we weren’t able to check meeting Rilakkuma off our bucket lists, her and I got some superb souvenirs.

“I’ve been all over San-X since I was around 14 years old,” MomoKumo wrote in a text message following our visit. “I’ve been a huge fanatic for about a decade now!”

MomoKumo was introduced to San-X by one of her pen pals from Japan and said that she instantly had a soft spot in her heart for Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma.

MomoKumo showing her new Korilakkuma plush a little love

Source: Rilakkuma Store Feat. MomoKumo // PT. I | Penelope Peru Photography P³

“I love Korilakkuma,” MomoKumo exclaimed while contemplating between plushies and post-its. “She’s my favorite.”

Luckily, there was no shortage of Korilakkuma. We even managed to grab pictures with the giant Korilakkuma stuffed animal, which was almost the size of us (for the record, MomoKumo and I are both just 4ft 11in)!

MomoKumo with Korilakkuma at the Rilakkuma pop-up shop in New York, NY

Source: Rilakkuma Store Feat. MomoKumo // PT. II | Penelope Peru Photography P³

“Maybe I should get Bubba a memo pad [for his birthday next week],” MomoKumo said while browsing the store. “I want a bigger one, though, ’cause he likes to write down stuff about our future together.”

After some thoughtful shopping, MomoKumo was able to find the perfect birthday presents for her significant other and their baby.

MomoKumo posing with plushies of Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma

Source: Rilakkuma Store Feat. MomoKumo // PT. II | Penelope Peru Photography P³

As for herself? MomoKumo said the Korilakkuma purse was her favorite splurge of all.

“I already own a small Rilakkuma wallet and coin pouch,” MomoKumo said. “I felt like it was meant to be when I saw the sweet Korilakkuma head purse. Plus, most of the clothes I wear are bright, pastel shades. It matches everything I wear perfectly!”

MomoKumo reaching for the Korilakkuma purse

Source: Rilakkuma Store Feat. MomoKumo // PT. II | Penelope Peru Photography P³

The sales associates were also a huge help as we caroused around the Rilakkuma pop-up shop like grown kids in a candy store.

“Overall, my favorite part of the store were the employees there,” MomoKumo said. “They were super duper sweet! I felt right at home, welcomed with open arms. I believe it’s important to have employees with good attitudes, but these individuals went above and beyond with their beautiful, colorful, wholesome personalities.”

She’s right. During both of our visits (the Rilakkuma pop-up shop was our first and last major stop during our brief New York getaway), the employees were kind, respectful, friendly, and just an absolute pleasure to be around.

Going to the Rilakkuma pop-up shop felt more like visiting a good friend than stopping by as just another consumer.

Neither MomoKumo or I had ever been into a store as cute or pastel as the Rilakkuma pop-up in Times Square. It definitely quenched our thirst for a sip of kawaii merch.

“My experience was more than I could’ve wished for – I give it a 1,000 out of 10,” MomoKumo said. “Here on the East Coast, we don’t have many shops that carry Japanese merchandise. It kinda bums me out, but it also made me appreciate our visits to the Rilakkuma pop-up shop even more. I truly hope that it ends up a permanent fixture in Times Square.”

A polaroid of Burgundy Bug with Korilakkuma at the Rilakkuma pop-up shop in New York, NY

Source: Rilakkuma Store Feat. MomoKumo // PT. II | Penelope Peru Photography P³

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burgundy bug

https://burgundyzine.com/about/#burgundybug

A cynical optimist and mad scientist undercover, burgundy bug is the editor, graphic designer, webmaster, social media manager, and primary photographer for The Burgundy Zine. Entangled in a web of curiosity, burgundy bug’s work embodies a wide variety of topics including: neuroscience, psychology, ecology, biology, cannabis, reviews, fashion, entertainment, and politics. You can learn more about working with burgundy bug by visiting her portfolio website: burgundybug.com

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