The company plans to combine retail and pop culture in a nearly 40,000 square foot Hollywood store later this year.

Known for its vinyl figures that are based on popular movie, TV and comic book characters, as well as real-life athletes, Funko holds licences with most big studios, including Disney and Warner Bros.

Funko already runs a smaller retail outlet at its corporate headquarters in Everett, Washington. CEO Brian Mariotti said that when the company launched that store, he expected it to be a hit with pop culture enthusiasts and Funko employees, yet the store exceeded all expectations.

Rather than trying to compete with its retail partners, Funko’s goal is to build even more followers for the Funko brand, driving sales at all Funko stockists. Located on Hollywood Boulevard, not far from the famous TCL Chinese Theatre, the LA store will target both tourists and local residents. The new location will let customers pose with life-size Funko figures and sit in a Funko version of the Batmobile.

“So many people are looking for an experience when they shop — not just buying things,” commented Brian.
Funko is working closely with the building developer on the store design and hopes to open in time for Halloween. Parts of the store are being built in Washington and shipped to California.

If the store is a success, more Funko stores could open in other tourist locations, such as London, Tokyo and Las Vegas.