Would you go to a physical BJD store?

Would you go to it?
Definitely!

What would you expect to find there?
In the US I imagine it would make the most sense to run it as a consignment shop and sell secondhand dolls, plus new clothes/accessories.

What would you want it to have?
Wigs and eyes; I think everybody who doesn't have a store to go to has dealt with the problem of buying a dozen pairs of wigs or eyes in order to find a combo that works.
Fullset outfits and pieces that coordinate together to build capsule wardrobes. Small unique accessories where the shipping would end up more than the cost of the item x_x
A regularly-changed photoshoot area with scale props/interesting backdrops.
If they had a sandblaster, they could make absolute bank offering a deyellowing service like the Volks Satogaeri peeling service.

Would you be fine with it having other hobbies in there too?
It depends. Maybe if it was model-building like Volks or alt fashion like Dollyteria/Closet Child, but not like. Funko Pops or sofubi or anime figures or whatever.

If you have been to a physical bjd store, how was it??
I've been to the Nagoya Volks store, a couple of Mandarake locations, and Dollyteria. The Volks store was my favorite because the staff were interested in talking about my dolls with me ^_^ Plus the model-building side of the store had customer work on display and it was very beautiful. Mandarake and Dollyteria staff had the 'oh no a gaijin' reaction. Mandarake is overwhelming in person. The Dollyteria store is very small and cramped and stuff is in bins instead of displayed in an easy-to-browse manner.

 

That actually sounds like a lot of fun! You'd be able to see what the doll looks like in natural, everyday lighting at all angles as opposed to only professional company shots, which would make me feel more satisfied in the end. And if the store were to have clothes and wigs, that would be even better---I am not as much of a patient person as I like to make myself out to be in terms of online shopping, haha.

 

Cant remember if I posted here yet. But if I did my response has now changed because I found out the other week there IS a BJD store near me. Fabric Friends and Dolls store is very close to me, so I went.

Would you go to it? Absolutely, and I did.

What would you expect to find there? To be honest I was hoping for a good selection of clothes. I didn't even have time to browse through them there was so much.

Would you be fine with it having other hobbies in there too? It also carried a few OT dolls and plushies. I was fine with that.

If you have been to a physical bjd store, how was it?? It was appointment only and I had to wear a mask (obv) The owners were very nice. They even walked outside to greet my mom who decided to wait in the car. I ended up getting a smartdoll and they even pointed out what cheaper than smartdoll official clothes would fit her well and showed me around. I'm planning to gather some of my dolls and go shoe shopping in a few weeks. Especially if my DC girls get here soon. (Crossing fingers) Inside there were all sorts of dolls and accesories on display. It was neat because you could look at and touch what you wanted to buy rather than squint and tilt your head at a picture online. Sometimes buying doll clothes and shoes online makes me nervous. I had a few not fit.

Overall I got a smartdoll and outfit, a wig, a hoodie for Ilya and a Bagged luts dress that turned out to be two separate dresses that went on Mel and Wraak.

 

Would you go to it?
Yes, and I did. Several times actually.

What would you expect to find there?
Dolls of course and clothes
What would you want it to have?
More dolls with face up i guess
Would you be fine with it having other hobbies in there too?
Yeah, it was a mix store with anime stuff which is one of my favorite things. So yeah, i was pretty stoke at that time.

 

Going to pretend I’m already back in NYC because Japan has plenty of doll stores and I’ve been to a lot of them. It’s always a bit of an adventure, but I quite enjoy going to the second hand shops and seeing what I can find buried in the bins. The organization of some is... not the best but I take it as a challenge and basically treat my trips as treasure hunts. Still I imagine it wouldn’t be for everyone. Meanwhile, the Volks Japan and Dolk stores are black holes that will suck up all your money if you are not careful - way too many beautiful, tempting things on display haha

Would you go to it?
Yes, though depending on what products they carried, frequency would vary.

What would you expect to find there?
Dolls, clothes, accessories - bonus if they also stock face up/mod supplies.

What would you want it to have?
I think having a consignment space to sell other hobbyists clothes etc would be nice. Volks does this in Japan and you can find unique stuff in that section. Would also find it cool if they offered in house face up services, restringing/maintenance services etc.

Would you be fine with it having other hobbies in there too?
Sure, though I’d hope the store was well organized so it’s easy to find what I want, it wouldn’t bother me if other stuff is in there. Whatever needs to happen for the store to stay in business haha

 

Would you go to it?
YES! I’d be so excited to go to one in person!

What would you expect to find there?
Dolls, clothes and accessories, etc. the usual stuff a doll enthusiast would want to find online.
I think it would be a lot more fun to shop in person too since you would meet more people interested in the same hobby as you, and for me and I’m sure a lot of people, seeing dolls/items in person is a better experience than online. I can hold that stuff in my hand and also not wait for shipping LOL

What would you want it to have?
Lots of different clothes and accessories for dolls and dolls’ maintenance!

Would you be fine with it having other hobbies in there too?
Yes! I’d imagine a bad only store might be a bit harder to run financially, but a hobby shop that also features bjd items I an definitely see being more of a thing.

 

Would you go to it?
In a heartbeat, I'm very visual and it would help so much not to be only dealing in photos online for such an expensive hobby.

What would you expect to find there?
Doll and doll adjacent items. They probably would make more money off of everything other than the dolls, so that seems reasonable.

What would you want it to have?
At least major companies and things people proficient in the hobby would expect.

Would you be fine with it having other hobbies in there too?
I don't think it would be a bad idea to maybe have sewing supplies or the like, there is a lot of crafting overlap.

 

If you had a physical store devoted to BJD in your area:

Would you go to it?

I would mostly go once or twice a month

What would you expect to find there?
Lots of dolls items like wigs, clothes, shoes, accessories.

What would you want it to have

Instock Dolls from many companies. Also, photo booths will be good as well.

Would you be fine with it having other hobbies in there too?

Yes, as long as its related to bjd.

If you have been to a physical bjd store, how was it??

I went to several stores in Tokyo. It was fun as I could buy many wigs and clothing from the store.

 

Would you go to it?
Yes, I would love to.

What would you expect to find there?
Anything and everything bjd related.

What would you want it to have?
It would be amazing if it was set up with dioramas all the way. And if they’d offer props and furniture for them.
Would you be fine with it having other hobbies in there too?
Nope. I’m sure I would die to get into that hobby so let’s just dream is a bjd store only. ‍♀️‍♀️

If you have been to a physical bjd store, how was it??
Never, but I would love to go to one.

 

If i was within distance of a bjd store i would no longer have money in my wallet.

 

Would you go to it?
Yes, I would go to it a lot, I'd probably be a regular there and they'd know me on a first name basis.

What would you expect to find there?
Hopefully a lot of hard to find things in their scale, and furniture, and unique things for dioramas. Of course clothes that are very fashionable, and wonderfully made eyes and wigs.

What would you want it to have?
Pretty much the same things I expect. It would be a dream come true.

Would you be fine with it having other hobbies in there too?
Nah, I would like for it to just completely be centered around BJDs.

If you have been to a physical bjd store, how was it??
Never have, sadly.

 

Would you go to it?
Absolutely!!!

What would you expect to find there?
Variety of dolls, clothing and accessories.

What would you want it to have?
Big and small brands of everything BJDs, group meet ups or craft days involved and BJD tools.

Would you be fine with it having other hobbies in there too?
Yes

If you have been to a physical bjd store, how was it??
A dream, I never wanted to leave.
The outside resembled the Queen Ann Dollhouse. They had a wide variety of dolls, bjds, dollhouses, etc...

 

Would you go to it?
Sure. If not anything else, I'd go to window shop or to get some ideas and inspiration.

What would you expect to find there?
Accessories, like eyes, wigs and clothing accessories and props. Maybe some clothing and maaaybe some doll items, probably like hands and extra parts, like horns and such. Not necessarily the dolls themselves. Maybe few? Maybe just on display? That would be pretty cool, too.

What would you want it to have?
See above. I would love if it had some artisan dolls, like local artists' work on display, maybe for pre-order or something, but honestly, I'd be fine with just like a stuff-shop with just some resin items.

Would you be fine with it having other hobbies in there too?
Sure, maybe something related, like miniatures or other doll. Some of the most niche craft shops would be perfect.

If you have been to a physical bjd store, how was it??
I wish I had but no. It would be very hard to get me out of one without buying everything I see

 

I would love to have a store to go to! I love to see things in person. Online shopping is fun, but just not as exciting.

It's hard to operate a specialty store these days, I think you would have to be okay with it encompassing other hobbies as well.

 

Would you go to it?
I would camp right in the aisles. Me and the owner would stay up swapping BJD stories.

What would you expect to find there?
The stuff of dreeeeeeeeams. Wigs, clothes, parts, full dolls, customization equipment, basic maintenance stuff, my soul, my heart etc.

What would you want it to have?
OMG. Soom, IOS, Migidoll, Mystic Kids, Myou and the Doll Families please. This imagination shop is breaking my imagination wallet.

Would you be fine with it having other hobbies in there too?
Of course. Hobbies are cool! Ooh, maybe it could have anime merch in there too! And photography equipment and like, DIY stuff (like MDF and foam etc). OOH OOH and a fabric and sewing bit!!! BEST. SHOP. EVER.

On a related note, WHY ARE THERE NO BJD SHOPS IN ENGLAND??? (pout)

 

If I had around I'd love too but no one I know would be interested enough to accompany me

 

Not sure if I ever answered this many years ago. But I too live not too far from Fabric Friends and Dolls.
Would you go to it?
Yes! I love going there! I had been to a Volks store in Hiroshima when I last lived in Japan but at the time I was into OT dolls and paid little mind to their actual BJDs haha!
What would you expect to find there?
I would expect to find clothes, shoes, wigs, accessories, and of course dolls!
What would you want it to have?
I wish it would have furniture I could buy for my dolls.
Would you be fine with it having other hobbies in there too?
It does and it doesn't bother me at all.
If you have been to a physical bjd store, how was it??
Honestly, I love going to FF&D. The seller is nice. I can try things on my dolls and know it fits/doesn't fit.

 

Yes! I would totally love it if this was a thing in my country.

 

Would you go to it?
Are you kidding? They’d have to kick me out!

What would you expect to find there?
Probably a selection of instock dolls, the ability to order, clothing, basics like wigs and eyes.

What would you want it to have?
If it was a single company specific sort of shop, a showroom!! I would love a display of sculpting and engineering over time! But customizing supplies like tiny brushes, sealants, a variety of doll stand sizes and styles.

Would you be fine with it having other hobbies in there too?
Sure, but I’d want each hobby to have its own section just for easier browsing.

If you have been to a physical bjd store, how was it??
I haven’t had the opportunity but I would love to!

 

This Is such a cool idea!

Would you go to it?
Of course!

What would you expect to find there?
Dolls on display, doll clothes and wigs.

What would you want it to have?
I would want it to have a section where you can try doll clothes on your doll to see if they fit.

Would you be fine with it having other hobbies in there too?
I would be ok with it, but it would be cool just to have one store dedicated to bjds.

If you have been to a physical bjd store, how was it??
I have only been to one in a dream. I would love to, though!