HiHi Toy Shop is a self-described "concept shop" in Royal Oak, where you'll find an array of plush toys, candy, paper goods, and more.
"HiHi is something that we opened up almost two years ago as a spin-off from Lift," co-owner Kent Alverson says.
Lift, located next door to HiHi, opened 10 years ago and now exclusively sells art, designer toys, apparel, and things more "on the darker and more serious side," Alverson says.
After noticing a growing number of sales with the products now available at HiHi, Alverson ultimately decided he wanted a more dedicated space for them. "We moved all of our crazy, colorful products there ... and it's just a lot of fun, happy stuff," he says.
You can tell from first stepping foot in the store that it's filled with "fun, happy stuff." The shop's interior features bright walls and colorful displays throughout.
"We tossed around a lot of names before opening HiHi," Alverson says. "We liked HiHi because it's a really simple name, and it's fun."
The store carries products for people of all ages. HiHi houses a number of brands, like Hello Kitty (the largest selection in the area), Squishables, Jelly Belly, Ramune, Kigurumi, Rilakkuma and Pocky products, along with toys from animated shows like Sailor Moon, Attack on Titan, Bravest Warriors, and Adventure Time.
"Our selection is pretty unique; we carry a lot of different brands that we pack together in the store," Alverson says. According to its website, many of HiHi's products are Kawaii, which means "cute" in Japanese.
"There's not a lot of places to find anime in the area, and I would say we probably have the best selection," Alverson says. The store also sells a number of Japanese snacks, candy, and drinks.
HiHi also has a number of Pokemon products available. "We've always carried Pokemon, but it's cool because now downtown Royal Oak is such a huge playing area," he says.
HiHi is hosting a Harry Potter birthday bash at Goldfish Tea from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, July 31. There will be wizard-themed snacks and drinks, magical arts and crafts, and tea leaf readings. It's free to attend, and 25 percent of proceeds from sales will go to the Harry Potter Alliance at U of M.
"This is a chance for us to partner with the University of Michigan chapter of the Harry Potter Alliance, which is the most active in the state," Alverson says. "They do a lot of great stuff for equality and human rights — so hopefully we'll get a decent turnout."
To stay up to date with HiHi's upcoming promotions and events, you can like them on Facebook (HiHi Toys) and visit hellohihi.com.
