Asian variety store chain Miniso made its Maryland debut this week with a new location at Westfield Montgomery mall. The eight-year-old brand was created by a Chinese entrepreneur but describes itself as “Japanese-inspired,” focusing on cute, colorful goods at a $5-to-$15 price point. The selection here is surprisingly wide: everything from home goods, exercise equipment, toiletries and phone accessories to plush toys, kids’ luggage, teen styles, baby items and pet products. Some of the brands are unfamiliar to U.S. shoppers, but many items are produced in partnership with names like Marvel, Disney, Hello Kitty and Sesame Street. Miniso has nearly 5,000 stores in 90 countries, but its U.S. expansion is just beginning. At Westfield Montgomery, it replaces the short-lived Perfume Palace near Macy’s.
