News & Events
Sep30
Tomodachi is relocating!
2023 at 06:27 pm by admin | Comments Off
Attention Friends:
As of Sept 18th, our Mall of America store is closed. Our lease is up and, after 9 years at the location, we decided it was time to move on to new adventure!– details coming soon!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of our MoA patrons, friends and staff, who have been instrumental in TOMODACHI’s growth and success. We’ll see you soon, and please follow us on FB and instagram for future update!
Thank you,
Owner
Apr25
BEST TOY STORE in BEST of 2018
2018 at 06:39 pm by admin | Comments Off
“Entering a Tomodachi is like being hugged by a kawaii rainbow.”
We’re a bit stunned and a lot delighted to learn that we’ve been named “Best Toy Store” in City Pages Minneapolis “Best of 2018” issue! Thank you so much, it’s an honor to be acknowledged. We work hard every day to bring smiles to our customers faces, and this award certainly brings one to ours.
http://www.citypages.com/best-of/2018/city-life/tomodachi/479776663
Mar05
Alice Riot: Women-Owned Fashion Startup Combines Art and Fashion
2018 at 08:50 pm by admin | Comments Off
It’s no secret that we here at Tomodachi love a good creative collaboration — and a good mashup of artistic mediums. New Minneapolis women’s wear line, Alice Riot, checks both those boxes. Founded by artist Kate Iverson, and biz strategist Kelly Groehler, Alice Riot combines original artwork with timeless fashion pieces.
The line’s inaugural collection features the artwork of co-founder Iverson, but future iterations will highlight other female artists from around the globe (while maintaining consistency with garment silhouettes. Designed for the working woman, these office-friendly looks include a 3/4 sleeve dress, sleeveless sheath dress, midi skirt, pencil skirt and two sizes of silk scarf — all in a size-inclusive range from XS-3XL. Designed by Iverson’s sister, Andi Hillestad (whose daughter, Alice, was the inspiration behind the line’s name, in addition to Kelly’s beloved late, great aunt Alyce) each garment represents a classic style that’s work appropriate but brings a “creative spark” along with you, no matter where you work or what role you play.
A hat tip to feminism, Alice Riot encourages women to break free of traditional workplace style and own their power, fierceness and creativity — in other words, ditch the boring monochrome suit and literally wear your art on your sleeve!
Alice Riot is currently taking pre-orders via a flashy Indiegogo campaign, featuring real women leaders as ambassador models and a colorful, art-inspired presentation. The campaign runs through April 19th.
Check it out and support this Minnesota-grown, women-owned business HERE. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/alice-riot-wearthegallery-apparel-collection-art-fashion#/
If you want to see and try on samples in person, the Alice Riot founders are hosting weekly open studio events at their spot in Northeast Minneapolis. Details on that HERE.
https://www.facebook.com/events/424573967981170/
Follow them on Instagram and Twitter: @aliceriotstyle or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/aliceriot/
Dec31
Tomodachi's Favorite Moments of 2017
2017 at 07:00 pm by admin | Comments Off
HAAAAAPPY NEW YEAR! So long, 2017, hello 2018! We here at Tomodachi have had a wonderful year at our Rosedale and Mall of America locations — all thanks to you. We made lots of new friends and introduced plenty of cool, new products. We were lucky to host super-fun special events such as Pusheen Party 2, mini-concerts with J-Pop star/jazz master Senri Oe, book signing with author/illustrator Christopher Straub and more. Not to mention, we were nominated as “Best Toy Store” at the Designer Toy Awards in NYC! We truly couldn’t have done it without your support. Your smiles are what keep us going, every step of the way. THANK YOU. We can’t wait to see what 2018 brings.
Dec18
Holiday Offer Special #3
2017 at 10:24 pm by admin | Comments Off
Tomodachi is your one stop shop for cool stocking stuffers! Through the holidays, we’re offering BUY 5 GET 1 FREE on blind boxes and capsule toys. Featuring video game characters, Mario, Bob’s Burgers, Dragonball Z and many more!
Dec18
Holiday Special offer #2
2017 at 09:55 pm by admin | Comments Off
Trim your tree with Hello Kitty plush ornaments! We’re running a HUGE sale on these darling decorations. Now through the holidays: BUY 2 HK ORNAMENTS GET 2 FREE! Great for adding whimsy to your own tree or as stocking stuffers for the fam. Great deal!
It’s a puffy sticker extravaganza at Tomodachi! Through the holidays we’re offering a special BUY 3 GET 1 FREE deal on select sticker sets. Pick some up as gifts for friends, or just for yourself!
Nov30
The UNABOMINABLE Yodi Book Signing with Christopher Straub
2017 at 09:39 pm by admin | Comments Off
Head to Tomodachi at Mall of America on Friday, Dec 8th for an exclusive book signing and meet and greet with Christopher Straub for his new book The UNABOMINABLE Yodi.
Christopher Straub and yodi
Be the first to get your hands on a copy of The UNABOMINABLE Yodi, as well as its adorable matching plush toy and other related merchandise. The illustrated children’s’ book tells the tale of a little yeti that wants to do good things, unlike his abominable older brothers. Ideal for ages 3-6 and makes a great holiday gift!
Complimentary snacks will be served and Tomodachi will be offering a special FREE gift for customers purchasing the book and plush bundle!
About Christopher Straub
Christopher Straub is a Minnesota fashion and accessories designer who gained national exposure on season 6 of hit television show, Project Runway. Since his time on the show, Christopher has worked on projects with Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, Maurices, Target, Yoplait and PBS. He’s also been featured in such magazines as US Weekly, Star, People, and O Oprah Magazine and is a regular guest on Fox 9’s The Jason Show. Though fashion is still his primary focus, Straub has found success with his series of children’s books (Albert the Confused Manatee, Rocky the Confused Platypus, and Albert’s Underwater ABCs) and the development of a number of plush toys. https://christopherstraub.com
HOURS
Fri, Dec 8th from 4pm-7pm
Nov27
Holiday Special offer #1
2017 at 07:38 pm by admin | Comments Off
FREE with $25 purchase!
Try these delicious sweet and tart healthy Calpico! Available in mango, lychee, white peach and original flavor..
Every $25 spent, you will receive a bottle for FREE.
Nov24
Senri Oe's Holiday Jazz @tomodachi
2017 at 02:11 pm by admin | Comments Off
Head to Tomodachi at the Mall of America on Tuesday, Nov 28th from 4-6pm for an exclusive pop-up performance and CD signing with Japanese jazz sensation and J-Pop star, Senri Oe!
photo by Becky Yee
This special mini concert at Tomodachi follows on the heels of Senri’s performance at the MSP international airport, as part of their annual Holiday Performance Series. Senri Oe will provide a more intimate Holiday experience for fans at Tomodachi. Copies of his latest album will be on hand for people to buy and have signed by the artist himself.
Fun facts: Senri composed soundtrack music for Three Doraemon movies! Doraemon: Nobita’s Great Adventure in the south seas(1998), Doraemon: Nobita Drifts in the Universe(1999), Ending song for Doraemon: Nobita and legend of the Sun King(2000). Senri also composed the theme song “Dream” for Sanrio’s show in Japan.
Nov24
Black Friday Special
2017 at 01:48 pm by admin | Comments Off
Black Friday is here and that means deals galore at Tomodachi! We’re your one stop shop for unique pop culture gifts, cool stocking stuffers and fun imported snacks and candy. Stop in to receive the following tasty incentives!
Mall of America Deals
(Hours: 5am – 10pm)
Spend $25 and receive free Strawberry Hi-Chew
Spend $50 and receive free Green Tea Pocky
Spend $100+ and receive above gifts + bag of Green Tea KitKats
Rosedale Center Deals
(Hours: 6am – 10pm)
Spend $25 and receive free Calpico Drink
Spend $50 and receive free Chocolate Pocky
Spend $100+ and receive above gifts + bag of Hi-Chew