Bandai Namco to Open at Mall of America October 30
The Bandai Namco Cross Store and The Gundam Base are scheduled to open at the mall following a recent delay.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The Bandai Namco Cross Store and The Gundam Base will officially open at the Mall of America on October 30, 2026. This launch follows a one-month delay that pushed the original debut back from September 2026.
Why it matters
The addition of these retail spaces expands the availability of specialty anime and gaming merchandise within the local Bloomington area. The storefronts aim to bring specific cultural products, including Gundam model kits, to the region.
The project faced a 1 month delay before securing the new October 30, 2026 opening date. These locations follow the expansion model of The Gundam Base, which previously established a site at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont.
The players
Bandai Namco
Bandai Namco is a multinational entertainment company known for its diverse portfolio of video games, anime, and hobby products.
The Gundam Base
The Gundam Base is a specialty retail brand dedicated to the sale and exhibition of plastic model kits and merchandise based on the Gundam animation series.
Mall of America
Mall of America is a large-scale shopping and entertainment complex located in Bloomington, Minnesota.
The details
The new storefronts will feature a wide range of merchandise tied to popular anime and video game series. The Gundam Base specifically will cater to fans by providing an extensive selection of model kits and figures associated with the long-running Gundam franchise.
Timeline
The Gundam Base opened in Rosemont, Illinois at the end of 2025.
The original debut of the stores was delayed in September 2026.
The stores are scheduled to open at the Mall of America on October 30, 2026.
Market Landscape
The opening of these stores follows the pattern of expanding international hobby hubs centered on the global popularity of Gundam plastic model kits. This move mirrors the growth of niche retail concepts that capitalize on dedicated fan bases to secure space in major shopping centers.
Local shoppers and anime fans will gain direct access to a specialized inventory of model kits and gaming merchandise previously unavailable in the immediate area. The opening provides a new destination for collectors to purchase official products without relying on online shipping.
The takeaway
Collectors should monitor official channels for potential grand opening events or exclusive merchandise announcements ahead of the October 30 debut. Fans of the hobby can benefit from visiting the store early to explore the full range of available model kit inventory.
What happens next
Bandai Namco is expected to provide further announcements regarding the October 30, 2026 store launch in the coming days.
Further reading
For more news on new businesses in the area, check out the Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Siliconera.
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