# Multi-Generational Anime Plushes The Newest Build-A-Bear Sanrio Characters Captivate All Ages By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2023-12-13 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buildabear-sanrio References: [franchising](https://www.franchising.com/news/20231208_buildabear_brings_sanrio_friends_instore_and_online_for_holiday_season.html) & [buildabear](http://www.buildabear.com/)  The [Build-A-Bear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collectible-sanrio) [Sanrio](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buildabear-x-hello-kitty) line, best known for Hello Kitty, is expanding to include all-new characters that have captivated consumers for generations; Pompompurin, [My Melody and Kuromi](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-melody-kuromi) are the newest Sanrio characters to join Build-A-Bear’s expansive lineup. Build-A-Bear has grown to have multi-generational appeal and as the brand detailed in a press release, “teens and adults now [represent] nearly 40% of its consumer base.” While these loveable anime characters hold nostalgic appeal for Millennials who grew up with them, Sanrio has also found its footing with Gen Z and Gen Alpha. No matter what demographic they fall into, consumers can look forward to more Sanrio characters joining Build-A-Bear’s product line, including seasonal versions of Hello Kitty and the upcoming 50th-anniversary edition of Hello Kitty in 2024. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.3/10 - Popularity: 100% | Activity: 100% | Freshness: 20% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Expanding Sanrio Characters:** The newest Sanrio characters joining Build-A-Bear's lineup captivate consumers of all ages, presenting an opportunity for expanding the brand's reach. - **Multi-generational Appeal:** With teens and adults making up nearly 40% of Build-A-Bear's consumer base, the brand's expansion into anime plushes creates diverse appeal across generations, opening doors to new customer segments. - **Nostalgic Anime Characters:** The nostalgic appeal of anime characters like Pompompurin, My Melody, and Kuromi not only resonates with Millennials but also captures the attention of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, offering opportunities to connect with younger demographics. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Toy Manufacturing:** The addition of Sanrio characters to Build-A-Bear's product line presents opportunities for toy manufacturers to leverage popular anime characters and tap into the multi-generational market. - **Entertainment Retail:** The expansion of Build-A-Bear's Sanrio characters opens up potential for entertainment retail businesses to create collaborative experiences and merchandise surrounding these beloved anime characters. - **Consumer Goods:** The broad appeal of Sanrio anime plushes offers consumer goods companies the chance to create innovative licensed products, reaching a wide range of consumers across different age groups. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Beloved Plush Character Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collectible-sanrio.md) - [Iconic Customizable Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buildabear-x-hello-kitty.md) - [Festive Collaborative Plush Workshops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-and-friends-workshop.md) - [Celebratory Plush Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buildabear-x-hello-kitty-and-friends-workshop.md) - [Character Franchise Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-characters.md) - [Adult-Targeted Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/build-a-bear-after-dark.md) - [Fluffy Plush Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urupocha-chan.md) - [Adult-Focused Plush Toy Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/after-dark1.md) - [Festive Cartoon Plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sanrio.md)