MINISO opens brand new store in Coney Street, York

MINISO launched its latest store at 40 Coney Street, York, drawing crowds from 10am ahead of a 12pm opening.

The global lifestyle and pop culture retailer, founded in China in 2013, is known for its affordable, design-led products and fun, family-friendly shopping experience.

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It sells homeware, beauty items, stationery, toys, and licensed merchandise featuring characters from Hello Kitty, Disney, Pokémon, and Star Wars.

The store is located in the former Luxe Company premises.

Employees Cailan Hobson, Emmie Rudland and Quinn Holmes joined colleagues in last-minute preparations ahead of the 12pm opening today. 12 staff will be employed in all at the store in Coney Street (Image: Kevin Glenton)

A MINISO spokesperson said the lucky first 200 customers through the doors spending £5 or more would be offered a free goody-bag worth £25.

The grand opening will also feature a display of balloon modelling and visit from PenPen, the company mascot.

Vivian Leadley, who lives near Acomb, queued outside the store with her daughters and grandchildren.

She said: “I’m sure I’ll be spending over a fiver with these three (her grandchildren) to qualify for the goody-bag.”

Vivian Leadley, with her daughter Bethany Richardson and grandchildren Lilly, Meila and Charlie were amongst the first in the queues forming outside MINISO in Coney Street (Image: Kevin Glenton)

The shop is filled with colourful collectables and lifestyle products.

It features cuddly versions of PenPen, one of the brand’s best-selling items, along with its popular blind boxes, “a mystery collectible that keeps the excitement alive until the very moment you open it”.

Nicholas Wallis, franchise area manager, said the new store will employ 12 members of staff and took around four months to prepare.

MINISO opened its new store in Coney Street, York at 12pm today (Friday, August 28) (Image: Kevin Glenton)

He said the team were excited to be bringing their particular brand of pop culture to the city.

The store will open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, and 10 to 5.30pm on Sundays.

Miniso has been present in the UK for six years and is focusing on refreshing some of its outlets in 2026.

The retailer aims to create a “fun, family-friendly destination that blends value with entertainment.”

Since launching in 2013, Miniso has grown to more than 6,000 stores globally.