Bethlehem’s newest anime store, Manga Lane, has opened its doors in the Main Street Commons.
This family-owned business, previously located in the Slatington Farmer’s Market as Kassidy’s Manga Lane invites anime fans to partake in building a lively, local community where they can share their versatile interests and where “affordable anime for all is our goal.”
Co-owner Kristin Bond described the business as a dream of her then-17-year-old daughter, Kassidy. With the help of her husband, Mike, the store began as a pop-up store before finding a space in the Slatington Farmer’s Market and eventually in Bethlehem.
On Friday, Nov. 1, the store held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with Bethlehem council members such as Janine Santoro, director of equity and inclusion for Bethlehem, and Tammy Wendling, senior vice president of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, in attendance.
“This isn’t just the opening of a new store, but the birth of a new community for anime, manga, and pop culture enthusiasts,” said Wendling during the ceremony.
The store announced special offers and events such as college nights on Wednesdays, trivia nights, and a potential book club. It also announced membership clubs such as the Eevee’s Kids Club for children and The Atsumaru Club for adults.
Last Wednesday, Moravian’s Anime Club had the opportunity to attend Manga Lane’s first College Night.
This event allowed the club to meet and connect with other local anime clubs and promote future collaborations across colleges. It engaged students with an anime trivia game and allowed students to give direct feedback and suggestions for future events.
This event included a raffle held during trivia; everyone who participated had a chance to win regardless of trivia performance as an inclusive experience.
Students also explored the store and its various selections, which had decent prices for budget-conscious college students. The store is planning more future collaborative College Nights.
This new store has something for all fans to enjoy with its impressive variety of anime merchandise, from figurines, keychains, and pins to manga, tote bags, plushies, and even otaku lamps. Moravian students receive a 10% discount with a valid student ID.
Manga Lane is located at 559 Main Street, Suite 004, in the Commons, Garden Level. Phone: 570-884-2121. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram for news and announcements.
