On June 20, 2026, global lifestyle brand MINISO opened Australia’s first MINISO FRIENDS store at Melbourne Central, introducing its latest immersive retail format to the market. The launch coincides with the global debut of the YOYO and Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 themed experience zone and product series, with a launch featuring MINISO’s proprietary IP alongside beloved Disney and Pixar characters in Australia.



Featuring the largest collection of IP-related products in the market, MINISO FRIENDS Melbourne Central presents a curated mix of global collaborations alongside the original MINISO IP, YOYO, marking the next step in MINISO’s ongoing store upgrade program and strategic shift toward IP-led retail.

Located on the lower ground level of Melbourne Central, the store benefits from high accessibility and steady foot traffic. Built under the MINISO FRIENDS concept, it features a YOYO-themed entrance, dedicated IP toy zones, and interior design elements inspired by popular IP characters including Disney, with integrated YOYO installations enhancing in-store interaction.



IP products account for around 80% of all SKUs in the store, covering plush toys, surprise boxes, accessories, stationery, and lifestyle essentials that balance collectability with everyday use. New launches in Australia include the Sanrio Forest Animal Vinyl Plush and Jump into Summer Series series alongside Chiikawa stacking plush toys, standing-posture elf plush toys, and pajama collections.




From June 19 to 25, MINISO is also presenting the world’s first YOYO and Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 themed experience zone at the Melbourne Central atrium. It features a series of YOYO sculptures inspired by Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie from the collaborative collection, creating a highly photogenic and immersive experience for visitors.



The store is also one of the locations for the global debut of the YOYO and Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 product lineup—which includes themed surprise boxes and vinyl plush charms—as well as the Australia debut of the highly anticipated MINISO’s Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story Childhood Bonds Series Vinyl Plush Surprise Box and store-exclusive products such as a boot-shaped crossbody bag and themed blankets.




The opening day drew enthusiastic crowds with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, mascot appearances, and interactive fan activations. This excitement is continuing from June 20-25 with the “Pick Your Friend, Reveal the Fun” visitor engagement campaign, offering fans the chance to collect a Melbourne-exclusive YOYO fridge magnet through interactive experiences.



MINISO’s first MINISO FRIENDS store in Australia comes as the company continues to expand its presence in Australia through more elevated and immersive store formats. In 2025, the company opened flagship stores in Melbourne and launched the first MINISO LAND store in Sydney, where IP-related products make up over 70% of all SKUs. Both MINISO LAND and MINISO FRIENDS represent the brand’s new-generation store formats, combining retail, experience, and social interaction in one space.

Following the opening, MINISO will continue to expand these new retail formats while strengthening IP collaborations and proprietary IP development, further solidifying its competitive position and global influence in IP-led retail.