Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from the tri-state area. In addition to this development from Dubuque, we will share other news in Tuesday’s edition.
A new store has opened in Dubuque’s Kennedy Mall focusing on international, collectible items.
Angry Fox recently opened in the mall between Captured on Canvas and The Tech Corner. The store sells plush toys, figurines, mock swords and various other Asian- and anime-themed collectibles.
The Dubuque storefront is owner Staci Powell’s second physical Angry Fox location, with the first operating in Janesville, Wis. Powell also travels around the country selling goods at conventions and trade shows.
“We definitely wanted to bring some of that fandom excitement to Dubuque,” she said. “There’s already a really good community here for that market, and we just want to expand on that and offer some different choices.”
Powell said her goal with Angry Fox is to provide a welcoming gathering place for Dubuque’s “nerd community.”
The store’s shelves are filled with items related to familiar classics such as “Dragon Ball Z” and “Pokemon,” but she also has merchandise from more recent hits such as the Japanese manga and animated TV series, “Jujutsu Kaisen.”
For more casual shoppers, the store also offers a variety of snacks, decorations and plush animals.
“Some of this stuff used to be more obscure, even the things really well known now like (the TV show) ‘Sailor Moon,’” Powell said. “But with the internet making us so much more connected, you can enjoy things from all over the world.”
Between 80% and 90% of the store’s merchandise is imported directly from Japan, Powell said, so products are rotated frequently. She works directly with suppliers abroad to stay ahead of trends and ensure there is always something new for shoppers.
The Dubuque store is currently about half full as Powell works to fill it, but the entire store soon will sport the international goods.
“I want to offer this all in a very inclusive way,” Powell said. “Some of the coolest people in my life are people I met selling at the store or in shows.”
Angry Fox is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Additional information about the store and updates on its merchandise can be found on its Facebook page, bit.ly/3RsUbuy.