Brian JonesI typed “anime store near me” into Google like it was going to change my life. Instead, I ended up on Whyte Ave in a cramped shop, staring at Frozen Merch and a single overpriced Naruto mug.
It wasn’t the worst experience, but it reminded me that not every shop around here gets anime. After bouncing between strip malls in Mill Woods, basement setups near 118th, and one west-end spot blasting Eurobeat at full volume, I finally found the ones that do.
If you’re in Edmonton and tired of digging through dusty Funko Pops and mystery keychains, this list will save you the trouble.
Kawaii Alley
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Location: West Edmonton Mall, Unit 2490 (Phase III, Level 2)
Contact: +1 587‑523‑9773
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: $$$
Kawaii Alley isn’t your usual wall-to-wall anime figure store. It’s more about cute, usable stuff. If you’re at West Ed, it’s worth ducking into.
They’ve got pouches, stationery, mugs, and little lifestyle items that feel easier to work into everyday life. It’s a great mix if you like low-key merch, and they carry characters from popular shows like Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, and Spy x Family.
The best part? It’s got a super calm vibe. You can browse at your own pace and not feel like someone’s waiting for you to hurry up.
Pro tip:
Follow them on Instagram. New stuff gets posted there first and can sell out pretty quickly.
The Lair
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Location: West Edmonton Mall, Phase I, Level 2, Store #2978
Contact: (780) 760‑6277
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: $$
If you’re into anime but also dabble in other fandoms, The Lair is worth popping into. It’s got all the popular merch like figures, keychains, and plushies—from all the big shows like Naruto, One Piece, you name it.
What sets it apart is the mix. You’ll be in anime mode, then suddenly you’re checking out D&D books or Warhammer kits. It’s not just one kind of fan in there, which makes it more fun to explore.
There’s also a decent selection of trading cards and manga, and a few rare items tucked behind glass if you’re into collectibles.
Pro tip:
Check the glass display cases. Sometimes, they stash rare or signed items that aren’t marked super clearly.
Da Pop-Up Shop
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Location: Kingsway Mall
Contact: (587) 599‑6800
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: $$
There’s something comforting about Da Pop-Up Shop—it’s run by people who clearly love anime as much as you do. They’re easy to talk to, and they’ll happily recommend something or just chat about your favorite characters.
Most of their merch leans into newer hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man, but you’ll spot some classics if that’s more your vibe.
What really makes it worth coming back is how often they switch up their inventory. Even if you’ve been recently, there’s usually something different on the shelves.
Pro tip:
The shop’s layout is tight, especially on weekends, so if you’re crowd-avoidant, a weekday visit might be better.
Kuji Toys
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Location: West Edmonton Mall, Level 1 – Phase II, Store #1178
Contact: (780) 908‑5880
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Kuji Toys feels like it was made with collectors in mind. It’s a smaller shop, but it’s packed with figures, plushies, and gacha-style toys. The blind boxes, especially, are fun to dig through—easy to get caught up in if you love surprises.
You’ll also find a crane machine tucked in the corner, which adds a bit of fun while you browse.
Something I thought was really cool was their Kuji draws. If you’ve never done one before, it’s kind of like a mini lottery. You buy a ticket and win something from the themed prize pool.
It’s a fun way to possibly walk away with something exclusive or limited-edition merch.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to try your luck with the Kuji draws, just know they go fast, especially on weekends.
Rolling Tales
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Location: 10664 21 Ave NW
Contact: (780) 318‑2311
Operating hours:
- Wednesday: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Pricing: $$
What makes Rolling Tales feel a bit different from other shops is the variety. They’re not just about plushies and figures. You’ll find model kits, light novels, and even some niche titles you don’t usually come across.
On top of that, they’ve set up a chill manga corner at the back, so if you’re the kind of person who likes to skim before buying, it’s a solid perk.
They also have a secondhand section that switches up often. You might stumble across something rare or nostalgic without spending too much.
Pro tip:
Check their online store before you go. Some of their best stuff drops for preorder or sells out fast.
Comex Hobby Scona
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Location: 10347 78 Avenue NW
Contact: +1 (780) 477‑5889
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday & Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Comex Hobby Scona really shines when it comes to anime model kits and figures. They carry a huge range of Gundam model lines, even P-Bandai kits. Their shelves are also full of Banpresto, Q Posket, and SEGA Premium figures.
You’ll also find plushies and collectible toys in popular series like My Hero Academia or Demon Slayer, mixed in with mecha model supplies.
Compared to other anime stores, they have the most focused setups for serious hobbyists. There’s a good collection of modelling paints, tools, and accessories too.
They’ve also got airsoft gear nearby, which shows how they’re more of a hobby destination than your typical anime store.
Pro tip:
If you’re working on a Gundam build, ask the staff about upcoming paints or tools. They often restock modeling supplies ahead of big kit releases.
Nii G Shop
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Location: 8906 112 Street NW
Contact: +1 (780) 988‑8832
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Pricing: $$
One thing that makes Nii G Shop feel different is how personal it is—almost as if a fan set it up for other fans.
They’ve got a selection that covers all the popular titles like Sanrio, Genshin, and Demon Slayer—and the variety is solid without being overwhelming.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll spot both staple merch and seasonal drops you might’ve missed online. They also do a lot of pre-orders, which is nice if you’re trying to lock something down early.
Pro tip:
Keep an eye out for their collab merch with local artists. Some pieces are exclusive and don’t stick around for long.
KI-FU-NE Japan Gift Store
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Location: 7603 109 St NW, #101
Contact: +1 780‑341‑5424
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
Pricing: $$
KI-FU-NE Japan Gift Store has more of a quiet charm than your usual anime shop. It leans into the kind of merch that’s a little more curated—think Studio Ghibli collectibles, plushies, and cute character-themed stationery that feels straight out of Tokyo.
The anime section isn’t massive, but what’s there is well-picked. You’ll find anime classic favourites like Totoro and Sailor Moon, but also some smaller titles that feel like lucky discoveries.
The shop’s also sprinkled with Japanese snacks and cute little home items, which makes browsing more fun.
Pro tip:
They get Ghibli merch in limited runs, so if you see something you like, don’t wait. Restocks can take a while.
TREEHOUSE TOYS
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Location: 660-1 Kingsway Garden
Contact: +1 587-990-8338
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Treehouse Toys has a small anime section hidden among all the other collectibles, so you’ll probably have to wander a bit before you spot it.
The anime section has a rotating lineup of plushies, figures, and blind boxes. If you’re the type who likes browsing for fresh finds, this place makes it easy to do that without getting bored.
There’s also a neat mini lounge-style nook where you can take a break mid-shop—good if you’re checking out with someone who’s into puzzles or glue paint booths.
Pro tip:
Check out their upstairs section. Some anime stuff gets stocked up there too, and it’s usually less picked over.
Warp 1 Comics & Games
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Location: 9917 82 Ave NW
Contact: (780) 433‑7119
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Warp 1’s mostly about comics, but they’ve still got a decent anime section if you’re into manga and figures.
The selection’s not huge, but you’ll still find manga and figures from familiar names like One Piece and Chainsaw Man, plus the occasional older title mixed in.
When it comes to setup, the anime figures are lined up near the front, so it’s pretty easy to browse without feeling like you’re digging.
Most of the display is behind glass, which helps keep things in good condition. The prices are clearly labeled too, so you’re not left guessing.
Pro tip:
If you’re hunting for manga, check the display shelves and the side racks. Some series are shelved a little out of sight.
