Find ‘affordable anime for all’ at new, family-run Main Street Bethlehem spot

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — It’s a family affair down at the Main Street Commons.

The new, downtown destination for everything anime, manga or pop culture, known as Manga Lane, celebrated its grand opening Friday at 559 Main St., Suite 004. The store is just next to Lu Taqueria and across from Steelgaarden Lounge on the building’s ground level.

Whether it's the Japanese genre’s story arcs, illustrations, characters or what have you, owner Kassidy Bond, 19, and her mother, Kristin, and stepfather, Mike Lopato, each say it’s come one, come all for a robust selection of merchandise right here in Bethlehem.

“We want a space where people feel understood, heard and can connect with people who share their passions,” Kristin said.

You’ll find anime figures, key chains, pins, shirts, lights, you name it. Think Attack on Titan, Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, Studio Ghibli, Marvel, DC, Harry Potter, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Hello Kitty and more.

“Manga” usually refers to the Japanese style of graphic novels and comic books, whereas “anime” is more so considered a visual medium where the print story is translated to the TV screen.

Humble beginnings

Manga Lane’s origins date back two years to when Kassidy was in high school — when what was then known as Kassidy’s Manga Lane operated out of the Slatington Farmer’s Market. The team expanded there three times before moving operations to Bethlehem.

“It was very small, and we were doing pop-ups at the Lehigh Valley Mall,” she said. “And all of a sudden, my dream came true.

“We have an amazing store, we have an amazing support team.”

Lopato suggested anyone looking to get a business off the ground like Manga Lane should "smart small" to figure out the lay of the land without getting in over their heads too quickly.

Something new, unique in downtown

A store dedicated to the ins and outs of the genre like Manga Lane, Lopato said, will typically have a more detailed selection compared to the big-box bookstores and others that normally carry at least some similar products. And the prices are right, he said, with Manga Lana being the home of "affordable anime for all."

“You’d be hard-pressed to find any anime stores really,” he said. “You just don’t see it a lot.”

Since officially opening a month ago, Lopato said some local favorites so far seem to be Hatsune Miku merch, Gundam model figures, anime tarot cards and Pokemon cards. He said he even sold three different packs of anime-theme Uno cards the day before.

Shopping at an anime store often ends up being a social occasion — even if unplanned, he said.

“The really cool thing about owning an anime store is when people come in and you can get a conversation going about anime, and then other customers who really are shopping independently will all start joining in,” Lopato said. “You have this pretty cool group dynamic.”

For your future store visits and conversations, note Mike and Kristin as huge One Piece fans, while Kassidy is an avid follower of Death Note, Jujutsu Kaizen and Hello Kitty.

'A dream realized'

Tammy Wendling, senior vice president of Bethlehem Initiatives with the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, said the new store is sure to bring something special with it, even beyond its people and products. She said she and Kristin have known each other for a couple decades now.

“Manga Lane is not just a business — it’s a dream realized,” Wendling said. “What started as a young girl’s passion has blossomed into a vibrant store that will bring joy to people of all ages.”

Looking ahead, the store this week launched its Atsumaru Club and Eevee’s Kids Club memberships, both for $20 annually. These come with discounts, early access for new merchandise and a birthday present.

Even College Night deals are coming as part of a collaboration with the anime clubs at Moravian and, later, potentially Lehigh universities.