Sanrio has partnered with the Peritozu Company to launch the world’s first Hello Kitty concept store in Istanbul, Turkey.

The deal was brokered by Sanrio’s licensing agent in Turkey, Max Licensing.

Dubbed an “entertainment facility,” Hello Kitty World, which will open its doors May 29, will feature product ranging from motorcycle bags to accessories, shoes, fashion products, diamonds, bedding and more. 

“We are excited to be in Turkey,” says Kunihiko Tsuji, chief executive officer, Sanrio. “Sanrio’s gross sales in Europe and the Middle East are approximately 30 percent of all global sales. Sanrio’s philosophy is ‘small gift, big smile,’ and we hope through our partnership and project in Turkey, we will be able to deliver more happiness all over Europe and the Middle East.”

“Istanbul is a unique city,” says Diana Magarino, president, Max Licensing. “Sanrio’s activities since its inception have all been rooted in social communication. Through the years, and regardless of trends, Sanrio has always believed that people find joy and hope in beautiful and fashionable things. As Sanrio’s representatives in Turkey, our goals are to increase the awareness of Sanrio brands like Hello Kitty through the development of a wide variety of products, retail concepts and the encouragement of gift giving.”

The space is designated to be in excess of 32,000-square-foot enclosed area, with an additional 4,300-square-foot garden space. Funding for the entertainment facility includes a $15 million investment from Peritozu.

Hello Kitty was created 39 years ago by Sanrio and today boasts more than $7 billion in gross retail sales and more than 1,300 licensees.