UlasanAnime.com – In the current landscape of anime retail, finding a single, comprehensive source for all your anime needs can be a challenge. While digital distribution offers a glimpse into the future, the reality for consumers today lies in physical purchases and the retailers that cater to them.
The question for many fans is: where do you go to acquire your anime fix? In the United States, purchasing DVDs is often an affordable and accessible endeavor. Retailers like DeepDiscount are known for their consistently low prices on a vast selection of disc-based media. For items I’m not in an immediate rush to obtain, this is often my go-to option, alongside services like Netflix.
RightStuf, a licensed distributor, also operates its own retail store. While their pricing isn’t always competitive, they do occasionally offer good deals. RightStuf is a contender for a “one-stop shop” title. I often wonder about their profit margins on niche titles like “Piano.” Nevertheless, I frequently turn to RightStuf due to its affordability and its extensive catalog, which includes less popular titles that pique my interest. A unique aspect of this Iowa-based retailer is their past consideration of hiring Lawson for a role, for better or worse.
Another significant player in the US market is AnimeNation. As one of the earlier companies to enter the regional market, they provide a range of both imported and domestically licensed anime products. While they may not engage in the same aggressive price slashing as some competitors, their selection is notably broader, featuring a greater variety of imported goods. Perhaps “broader” isn’t the most accurate descriptor; rather, their inventory encompasses a more diverse array of items compared to RightStuf, which tends to focus on a more exclusive range of hard-to-find items. For an import enthusiast like myself, the fact that RightStuf does not stock imported CDs means they only capture a small fraction of my annual spending. AnimeNation, on the other hand, approaches the import market with a more conservative strategy, leading me to rarely purchase from them. I understand their caution, as it’s a difficult market, and I’m not certain if a Florida-based company can successfully navigate it.
Considering the import market, the true “one-stop shop” for anime enthusiasts, particularly for importers, is Amazon Japan. I admit to spending a considerable amount of money there when my budget allows. They even host a comprehensive figure store, though it appears they are too high-profile to offer these items for export. This is puzzling. While blocking video game exports might have some rationale, as they are more tightly controlled by a few licensors, the restriction on figures is harder to understand. They readily export CDs and DVDs, so the issue isn’t immediately apparent. Could it be related to customs regulations? I’m open to any insights on this matter.
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There are a few other establishments that come close to being a comprehensive anime destination. Animaxis, despite its sometimes frustrating user interface and higher markups, presents a viable option for some. Akadot Retail and Broccoli’s AnimeGamers (now dot-anime.com) are also noteworthy online retailers. However, neither is particularly inexpensive, and their selections can be inconsistent. They do, however, offer opportunities to acquire exclusive items.
This leads me to another potential candidate for a “one-stop shop”: Kinokuniya. While I’m uncertain about their online purchasing capabilities, their physical stores are exceptionally well-stocked with imported CDs and DVDs, alongside books, manga, artbooks, and various other merchandise. Kinokuniya’s selection, while not exhaustive, is consistently updated with new and popular releases. Visiting on a Friday, one can expect to find the latest single releases prominently displayed. The markups are noticeable, unfortunately. American Kinokuniya stores have expanded their offerings to include a wide range of region 1 anime and manga, transforming them into something akin to Barnes & Noble or Borders. However, for those seeking more niche “fanboy” items, traces of such merchandise can still be found.
It’s important to acknowledge that this brief survey omits many nuances. For those interested in adult anime content, I cannot provide specific recommendations. Certain items, such as doujinshi, specialty imports like bishoujo games, and independent fan CDs, necessitate specialized retailers. Similarly, many figures, including most of those I purchase, require access to specialty outlets. Platforms like Y!JA and other special order stores cater to these needs. Furthermore, among the stores I’ve mentioned, only AnimeNation deals in used goods. This suggests a strategic division of labor to minimize direct competition.
I must also concede that I may have overlooked several other retailers. I welcome any additions or insights from the community.
