Independent family-run business Cool! Merch, in The Marlands Shopping Centre, offers thousands of officially licensed goodies, from the latest anime trends to timeless music and classic films.
Think KPop Demon Hunters, Marvel Comics, Pokemon, Stranger Things, Harry Potter, Star Wars and so much more.
The KPop Hunters display in Cool! Merch Southampton (Image: Cool! Merch)
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The Southampton city centre store is the largest in a small chain of five shops, started by Colin Mundy in Salisbury in 2014.
The business has grown from a man with a passion for pop culture selling a few music tees and vintage vinyl to a huge one-stop shop of official retro and up to date merch of all kinds with more locations in Basingstoke, Camberley and, most recently, Taunton.
There’s a huge range of bands, classic animations and niche animes, nostalgic toys and comic superheroes, TV and film memorabilia, prop replicas, and trading card games.
Marvel Comics merch at Cool! Merch (Image: Cool! Merch)
Jennifer Brightman, for Cool! Merch, said: “Step into one of our stores and you’ll find a treasure trove of officially licensed goodies. From the latest anime trends to timeless music and classic films, we’ve got something for everyone.
“Our shelves are packed with clothing, replicas, plushies, Funko, Loungefly, trading card games, homeware, and everything you need to feed your pop culture obsession.
“Our customers often call our stores an Aladdin’s cave, and we couldn’t be prouder of that title.
“There is something for everyone in our shops, whether you want to browse records, play Sylvanian Familes, or decorate your office with a replica Facehugger. Whilst we sell online as well, the heart of our business in on the high street.
“Shopping in your pyjamas on your sofa is wonderful, but there’s nothing quite like seeing something in real life and taking it home with you then and there.
“Our team is incredibly friendly and love helping people, be it sharing their passion and enthusiasm for obscure TV shows, or offering advice on gifts for loved ones. We work with a huge range of suppliers across the world, so we always have something new in store.”
The Loungefly sale at Cool! Merch (Image: Cool! Merch)