Store of the Month: January 2009

"ROBOTlove is a design store featuring limited edition vinyl toys, designer t-shirts, accessories, prints, books and magazines."  

But even more than that, they have an amazing website where you can find every hard to locate item you've been hunting down.  We learned this when searching for a Camille Rose Garcia "Cherry" figure for a friend this Christmas.  ROBOTlove not only had one available (where nearly every other store didn't), but included a handwritten note to the recipient as well when noting it was a gift.

 Above and beyond, my friends.  THAT is what makes them the perfect Store of the Month, for a brand new year.  Support inter-species relations:  love ROBOTlove.

ROBOTlove
2648 Lyndale Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612.871.9393

Hours:
Monday thru Saturday 11-7
Sunday 12-6

Store of the Month December: Munky King.

"In 2003, Patrick and Chanda Lam opened the first designer toy store in Southern California, a quaint little shop in Chinatown Los Angeles. Munky King now has its flagship store on Melrose Avenue showcasing toys, original art, prints. plush, mini figures, art books, and apparel from the designer toy culture. The location has a gallery known for its art shows, artist signings, toy releases, and other special events. Munky King also produces its own line of designer toys with established artists such as Luke Chueh, Thomas Han, The Pizz, Amanda Visell, Nathan Jurevicius, Kii Arens, Dave Pressler, Joe Ledbetter, and Yoskay Yamamoto. Look out for many new and exciting projects to come."

In their own words:
"In his honor we built this temple, filling it with toys that embody his rebellious and creative spirit. Cast from the hearts and minds of independent artists from around the world, these "Designer Toys" or "Art Toys" are part of an ever-growing international phenomenon. In an age where mega-conglomerates churn out mass-produced hunks of cheap plastic, these limited production-run collectibles are revolutionizing the way people think about art and toys."

For those of you not in So-Cal, get the online Munky King experience at their site HERE where you can find tons of sweet vinyl, some incredible art and a couple bloody KA's if you don't have one yet. Happy Shopping!

Store of the Month (Nov): Rotofugi.

Rotofugi Designer Toy Store & Gallery, established in July 2004, is located in Chicago's eclectic East Village neighborhood. Since opening, Rotofugi has grown to become one of the world's premier sellers of designer toys from artists all over the world. Rotofugi Toy Store features a diverse selection of vinyl figures, capsule toys, plush and more from both eastern and western designers. The adjoining Rotofugi Gallery features monthly art exhibits by a range of both local and nationally known artists.


Beginning in late 2007 Rotofugi partnered with Chicago based product development specialist Squibbles Ink to begin producing artist-designed figures by the talented designers located in their home town.

Rotofugi is owned and operated by husband and wife duo Kirby and Whitney Kerr. You can find the couple in and around the store on most days. They love to talk about toys.

If you aren't located in Chicago, Rotofugi also has an expansive website with loads of great toys, including a couple of Bloody variant Kill Audio figures for those of you who haven't been able to find one yet.                                           

                                          ROTOFUGI.COM