Hello Kitty celebrates 50 years with a new cafe in Birmingham & it’s so sweet

She’s the feline icon that has won a swathe of fans across the world since she launched onto the scene 50 years ago.

Hello Kitty, the fictional cat from Japanese designers Sanrio, was first designed as a coin purse.

But she soon grew in popularity, especially in the 1990s with the emergence of kawaii (cute) culture. Hello Kitty is said to live in London with her family and has a twin sister called Mimmy - and she’s now opened her own cafe in Birmingham, at the World’s Biggest Primark in town.

Hello Kitty’s cafe is full of delightful Instagram-worthy décor and it’s serving up an array of limited-edition treats, such as sweet waffles and savoury ‘bow’ buns, alongside themed beverages including a choice of bubble teas and shakes.

Primark has also stocked up on Hello Kitty inspired womenswear, kidswear and homeware - there are 100 items to view, with a promise from the retailer that they all embody a timeless charm that all generations will love.

From cosy loungewear to playful accessories, each piece of the extensive range is infused with the signature kawaii style of the beloved character. 

With trendy graphic tees, adorable nightwear, collectable bags, and much more, the collection promises to immerse customers in the magic and nostalgia of Hello Kitty. Prices start at just £1 for accessories, up to £25, as part of Primark’s commitment to providing affordable choices for everyone.  

‘You can never have too many friends’

Silvia Figini, Chief Operating Officer, Sanrio EMEA, India and Oceania, Mr Men – Worldwide, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Primark on this new collection to celebrate Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary. Over five decades, she has inspired all generations with her core values: kindness and friendship.

"We are glad to celebrate this important milestone together with our whole community. This will happen also thanks to this collection, which will offer unique fashion items featuring our iconic character, bringing joy to Primark customers. As Hello Kitty’s motto says: ‘You can never have too many friends.” 

‘Another exciting chapter’

Sarah Jackson, Director of Licensing, Primark said: “Hello Kitty has been a cultural phenomenon since her debut in 1974, captivating hearts around the globe with her cute aesthetic. At Primark, we pride ourselves on our extensive licence offering and we’re thrilled to reveal our new collection, marking another exciting chapter in Hello Kitty's enduring legacy.

"We want to offer our customers an unforgettable in-store experience and we’re delighted to once again transform our Primarket cafés into a Hello Kitty haven in five locations across the UK.”