Upon entering Uniko, a boutique store nestled on Valencia Street between 22nd and 23rd streets in San Francisco’s Mission District, customers are immediately greeted with an enchanting display of blind box-themed merchandise.
Characters like Hello Kitty, Labubus, Miffy, Smiski, and Sonny Angel adorn the shelves, attracting both collectors and casual shoppers alike.
For the uninitiated, blind boxes are a unique retail concept where figurines are sold in sealed packaging, hiding their contents and adding an element of surprise to each purchase.
This phenomenon has recently surged in popularity, amplified by social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, which showcase the unboxing craze. Creators document their experiences as they unveil the mystery figures, generating excitement and anticipation with every click of the plastic seal.
The allure of blind boxes lies in the intriguing blend of design and the element of mystery.
For many enthusiasts, collecting these figures has become a lifestyle, turning places like Uniko into destinations rather than just retail points.
At Uniko, the shopping experience is akin to visiting a museum, thoughtfully constructed to inspire exploration and wonder.
The store is adorned with curated selections and aesthetically pleasing displays, inviting visitors to take a closer look.
At the heart of the shop, a wooden table showcases an impressive array of Miffy, Sonny Angel, and Smiski blind boxes, serving as a treasure trove for avid collectors.
Sondhayni Murmu, a 28-year-old resident of Glen Park, expressed her delight at discovering such a store nearby.
“Stumbling upon the store isn’t great for my wallet, but having a store nearby is much more convenient,” she remarked, having previously traveled to Daly City or Japantown for her blind box shopping fix.
The history of blind boxes can be traced back to Japan in the late 1980s and 1990s, evolving from popular capsule toy vending machines, known as gashapon.
Brands like Medicom Toy, Sonny Angel, and Re-Ment played pivotal roles in transforming the concept, focusing on design and collector appeal.
By the 2000s, blind boxes had firmly established their place within Western toy culture, gaining a dedicated following.
So, what treasures might one find inside these boxes?
Labubus, for instance, are whimsical creatures characterized by their exaggerated heads and cheerful, toothy grins, embodying a playful, punk-inspired aesthetic.
On the other hand, Sonny Angels are charming, nude figurines adorned with amusing headgear that ranges from fruits to animals, and Smiski figures are tiny, glow-in-the-dark characters often cleverly positioned in everyday scenarios, like peeking from behind corners.
Uni Choi, the artistic mind behind Uniko, sees the store as more than just a business venture; it is a canvas for her creativity.
With a background in art and entrepreneurship influenced by her family of small-business owners, Choi opened Uniko roughly a year ago, recognizing a gap in the market for these beloved collectibles.
The Mission District, being devoid of other stores that specialize in Smiski and Sonny Angel blind boxes, was the ideal location for her venture.
Beyond the confines of the Mission, blind box enthusiasts can find similar items in locations like Japantown, Stonestown Galleria, and Cliff’s Variety, among others.
These retailers often engage in price competition, with some reselling blind box items at marked-up prices.
For instance, Sonny Angels typically retail for around $10 to $12 through official channels but can be found for $20 to $30 or more at many shops, with rare limited-edition figures fetching hundreds or thousands of dollars on the secondary market.
To keep her offerings competitive, Choi lists the Sonny Angels and Smiskis for $15.99 at Uniko.
Choi aims for Uniko to be a welcoming space for community and creative collaborations.
“I found this place by chance, and knowing how hard it can be as an artist, I also carry other products from local businesses and artists in my store,” she added.
Uniko had its soft opening in March and celebrated its grand opening in June.
While there are currently no official store hours, Choi opens her shop every day except Tuesdays.
image source from：missionlocal
