Slug: ktxpress
For Bangsar Weekly
By Clarence Koh

If you have not had enough of the recent hello kitty fever, there is a kitty haven in the Mid Valley Megamall that you must visit. Kitty Super Express is the speciality outlet that always has something better and more to offer.

Back in 1974 when Hello Kitty was first called as the kitty cat, it is simply a single character on its own that is known for its cute and mouthless features. Only until 1994, the whole family of Hello Kitty and the range of products have been conceptualised.

Other than Hello Kitty herself, her sister Mimmy, father George, mother Mary, grandfather Anthony, grandmother Margaret, boyfriend Daniel and other of her friends have also joined in the craze of Japanese cartoon characters.

"About 600 new items are released every month by Sanrio, the manufacturer of Hello Kitty in Japan. Therefore we are never lack of new merchandise to add into the kitty fans' collection," Kenny Seow, the co-partner of Kitty Super Express said.

Seow who has been traveling quite often to foreign countries noticed the craze for Hello Kitty in Japan. Hence, sees the potential of the sweet-looking cartoon in Malaysia. After launching the first outlet in Sungei Wang Plaza last July, the Mid Valley outlet was opened last November.

"The influence of the character is so powerful that you can almost see it on every household item! However, due to local buying power and also the climate difference, we are unable to bring all of the products over," he explained.

According to Seow who visits Japan monthly to stock in latest items for local kitty fans, the Hello Kitty products can basically be divided into two categories, that is everyday items and the range items.

Everyday items include things like stationery, toiletries, apparels ,plastic containers and confectionery. These are items for daily use. The range is so extensive that even toilet papers with hello kitty imprinted on it are also on the shelves!

The range items are collectibles, sometimes with limited quantity. These includes range of soft toys, pencil set with twelve horoscopes, the kitchen utensil set and more. Once in a while special items are introduced in conjunction with special occasions.

The children's favourite would be the Hello Kitty candies and cookies. The bubble gum is sold at 75 cents only. Delicious fruit candy costs RM19.95 per can while the goodies can with a variety of sweets and cookies is priced at RM59.95.

Electrical items in pink with the Hello Kitty label are also very popular. These include facsimile, hi-fi, mini compo, portable CD player, vacuum cleaner, and also television set. Priced from RM399 to RM1299.95, these items are supported by big names like Hitachi and Sanyo.

"Customers can be assured of the quality. Other than the electrical goods, the watches are supported by Swatch, pen by Parker and some of the cosmetics by Shiseido," Seow added.

Value of a Hello Kitty soft toys can easily go up to the thousands depending on the quantity and quality. Some items on display at the shop for instance are not for sale and are of very high market price, namely the millennium kitty in evening gown and kitty in kimono.

"Although imitations are sold everywhere in the country, die hard kitty fans will still go for the original ones because of its better quality and value," Seow answers on the threat by pasar malam imitations.

Regular customers of Kitty Super Express are given a membership card that entitles them for a 10 per cent discount on all items. Besides, Seow also helps kitty fans to solicit for new or limited editions upon request. Reservations for upcoming collection are also welcomed.

The outlet located at Lot LG-082, lower ground floor, Mid Valley Megamall is open daily. For queries, call 03-248 2245.




Pix Captions:
1. Kitty Super Express at Mid Valley Megamall has more than just Hello Kitty toys for sale.
2. Dream house...equipped with Hello Kitty TV set, vacuum cleaner, kettle and more.