Hello, thank you and farewell Sanrio Gardena. Today I visited Sanrio Gardena for the last time ever.

The store will permanently closing on June 30, 2020. This store is the oldest Sanrio store in the US (they’ve been there for 42 years) and it breaks my heart to see them close. This store played a big part in my love for Sanrio and Hello Kitty as I’ve been visiting this store since I was three years old (back when they were Gift Gate).

My favorite character back in the day was Tweedle Dee Dee! Who remembers the cute Sanrio teddy bear?

The store even has a role in the name of this blog. “Hello Kitty Foodie” came about as a tribute to my dad who would take me to Sanrio Gardena in between cooking sessions at home. 😊

There are so many memories at this store that are near and dear to my heart.

It was here that my parents bought me my very first Hello Kitty, My Melody, Ahiru No Pekkle pencil cases and tin boxes that I would use in grade school.

It was also here that my dad bought me my first Pippo plush because I loved pigs. I would take it with me to the UCLA dorms as it was my first time ever to be away from home.

It was at Sanrio Gardena that participated in Sanrio’s Pompompurin shoe hunt for Pompompurin’s 20th anniversary.

I’ve also said “Hello” to Hello Kitty for numerous meet and greets (Holidays, Girl’s Day) throughout the years.

My mom and I have had so many happy conversations during our visits with Mie; the owner and Evelin; who is part of the Sanrio Gardena team. I was so touched today as I walked out of the store for the final time and Evelin told me to “please say hello to your mom.” ❤️

Shopping there today was so bitter sweet and my last haul consisted of lots of pink and lots of My Melody and Hello Kitty. 💕

Thank you Sanrio Gardena, Mie and Evelin for the memories and smiles through the years 💕. You’ll always have a special place in this Hello Kitty girl’s heart. I will miss visiting your store 😔 and the Sanrio world won’t quite be the same without you.