THE GUNDAM BASE Opens New Stores in Minneapolis and Seattle in Fall 2026

What was announced

Bandai Namco is opening two new permanent THE GUNDAM BASE stores in the United States, in Minneapolis and Seattle, both scheduled for fall 2026. The official Gundam Info account shared the news on July 23, 2026, linking to the official Gundam site, and Bandai confirmed the expansion in a press release issued the same day at San Diego Comic-Con 2026. Per that release, the rollout is led by Bandai Namco Amusement America and Bandai Namco Toys and Collectibles America.

Where the new stores are landing

According to Bandai's announcement, the Minneapolis store will open at Mall of America, and the Seattle store will open at Westfield Southcenter. Both are slated for fall 2026, though exact opening dates have not been announced. Bandai says further information about grand opening celebrations, exclusive merchandise, and in-store events will be shared closer to each location's debut.

A growing US footprint

The two stores follow THE GUNDAM BASE Chicago at Fashion Outlets of Chicago, which Bandai describes as the first permanent THE GUNDAM BASE location in North America. THE GUNDAM BASE is the brand's flagship retail concept built around GUNPLA, Gundam's line of plastic model kits, and the new sites extend those dedicated stores to two more major US metro areas. With Minneapolis and Seattle added to Chicago, Bandai is steadily broadening where American fans can buy GUNPLA in a dedicated space rather than online or through general hobby shops.

What to expect inside

Each location is billed as an immersive retail experience featuring a wide selection of GUNPLA model kits, exclusive merchandise, premium displays, and special products celebrating more than 45 years of Gundam history, per Bandai's release. The stores were unveiled as part of a Gundam Showcase panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, where Bandai laid out several updates for the franchise in North America.

Why it matters

Gundam's presence in the US has long leaned on imported kits and online orders, so permanent, brand-run stores mark a more committed retail push. For now, the concrete takeaway for US builders is straightforward: two more places to shop GUNPLA in person are on the way this fall, with the finer details of each opening still to come.