Bandai Announces 2 New Permanent Gundam Base US Locations

Bandai has announced that two new permanent THE GUNDAM BASE stores will open in the United States during fall 2026, giving Gunpla fans in more parts of the country access to an official Gundam shopping destination.

THE GUNDAM BASE is Bandai’s dedicated retail concept for the Gundam model kit hobby, with its stores offering a broad selection of Gunpla alongside limited releases, exclusive merchandise and displays celebrating the history of the franchise.

The expansion follows the opening of THE GUNDAM BASE Chicago in 2025, which became the first permanent US location and established a foundation for the retailer’s continued growth across North America.

One of the new stores will be located inside Mall of America in Minnesota, bringing THE GUNDAM BASE to one of the largest and most recognizable shopping destinations in the United States.

The second location is heading to Westfield Southcenter in the Seattle area, creating a new official Gunpla destination for fans across Washington and the wider Pacific Northwest.

Both stores are expected to carry the wider selection of Gundam model kits associated with THE GUNDAM BASE, while also giving visitors the opportunity to shop for products that are harder to find through standard hobby retailers.

Bandai has not yet shared the exclusive Gunpla planned for either location, although limited-edition kits will be released to celebrate the two grand openings.

Special opening events are also being prepared, with full details about the activities, exclusive products and launch schedules set to be announced over the coming months.

The addition of two permanent stores is a significant step for the Gundam hobby in the US, particularly for fans who previously had to travel to Chicago or overseas to visit one of Bandai’s dedicated Gunpla locations.

Exact opening dates have not yet been confirmed, but THE GUNDAM BASE stores at Mall of America and Westfield Southcenter are both scheduled to open in fall 2026.