What started as an impulsive claw-machine habit during COVID lockdown has grown into Kira Kira Collectibles, a Tucson anime and figure shop that just landed one of five spots nationwide in an officially licensed pop-up for a popular Chinese fantasy media franchise.

Named after owner Mariam Pacheco's dog Kira, this woman-owned business has become a staple in the community since its opening in 2021, providing a space for anime lovers and figure collectors alike.

The store sells keychains, figures, plushies, blind boxes, pins and cards, and has a small supply of manga and K-pop photocards.

Kira Kira also supports small artists like The Hiding Ghost and Gyozados, selling their merchandise alongside mainstream creators.

The shop receives new merchandise almost daily, so there are always new items to explore.

The idea to open a collectibles shop was an impulsive decision for Pacheco, born out of a self-described claw machine addiction. After spending much of quarantine playing app-based Japanese claw machine games, her house became overrun with anime figurines and plushies.

"It was super impulsive and I had to learn a lot from scratch, but it all ended up working out thanks to the strong community here in Tucson," Pacheco said.

In addition to having a large supply of merchandise from different series, Kira Kira also hosts community-based events including cafés, trading pop-ups and markets.

Before opening the shop, Pacheco never had the chance to interact with the community. She said hosting these events has been a way for her to do so.

"I started making a whole lot of new friends that introduced me to events in Phoenix which led to me eventually deciding to host events in Tucson, seeing that there was a need here," Pacheco said. "Every time I host any type of event the output of support from everyone is so heartwarming and truly makes it feel as if I am sharing a bit of happiness with everyone around me."

Pacheco said she never could have imagined the store blossoming into what it's become today: a space for people to nurture their hobbies and meet others with the same interests.

"It really has brought me an insane sense of community," Pacheco said. "I was always shy and never really active in local spaces before opening, so after pushing myself out there and experiencing the joys of community, I do think it is one of the most fulfilling things to have."

Kira Kira was recently selected as one of five stores in the U.S. to be part of an officially licensed pop-up event for the popular Chinese fantasy media franchise Heaven Official's Blessing. The pop-up will last until the end of August, or until the store runs out of merchandise.

All the shop's previous franchise-themed events, including the Alien Stage café in February, have been fan-organized. This was Pacheco's first time working directly with an official pop-up.

She said she was over the moon when she found out she'd secured her first officially licensed event, and hopes this will pave the way for more collaborations.

When it comes to other future plans, Kira Kira is ready to expand beyond Tucson, with a Texas location in the works.

The Tucson location is open every day from noon until 7 p.m., with hours set to change beginning Sept. 1.

Kira Kira also runs an online store, with the option to pick up items in-store or ship them directly to customers' homes.

Gabrielle Cotnoir is a University of Arizona journalism student and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at gabriellecnews@gmail.com.

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