Top 10 Anime Stores in Columbus, OH in 2025: A Guide for Anime Enthusiasts
Columbus, Ohio, is a city that blends tradition with innovation, and its anime community is no different. As anime continues to gain popularity, the city has seen a rise in specialty stores offering a variety of products ranging from manga and anime figures to cosplay accessories and exclusive collectibles. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to anime, these top 10 anime stores in Columbus are sure to cater to your every need in 2025.
1. The Book Loft of German Village
Location: 631 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43206
While not a dedicated anime store, The Book Loft of German Village is a local gem that offers an impressive selection of manga and graphic novels. With over 30 rooms of books, this independent bookstore provides a large variety of manga series, from popular titles to niche finds. It’s a must-visit for any anime fan looking for great reads and a cozy atmosphere.
Why Visit: A great selection of manga and graphic novels in a charming, independent bookstore setting.
2. The Anime Cafe
Location: 1275 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
The Anime Cafe is a local hotspot for anime lovers who want to enjoy their favorite series in a comfortable, café-style environment. The store offers a selection of anime DVDs, Blu-rays, figures, and Japanese snacks. It’s also a great spot to meet fellow fans and enjoy anime-themed events and screenings.
Why Visit: A combination of anime shopping and a cozy cafe atmosphere with anime screenings and events.
3. Starbase Columbus
Location: 3015 W Dublin-Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43235
Starbase Columbus is a classic comic book and gaming store with an excellent selection of anime merchandise. From manga and anime figures to plushies and accessories, this store is perfect for fans of both anime and other pop culture media. Starbase Columbus also offers anime-themed gaming products and collectibles, making it a great one-stop-shop for all things geek.
Why Visit: A great combination of comic, anime, and gaming merchandise, with an emphasis on pop culture collectibles.
4. Bookminders
Location: 3872 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
Bookminders is a wonderful second-hand bookstore in Columbus that carries a wide variety of used manga and anime-related books. If you’re looking for older or hard-to-find manga, this is the place to go. Bookminders is perfect for fans on a budget who want to expand their collections without breaking the bank.
Why Visit: A large selection of used manga and anime books, offering great deals for budget-conscious collectors.
5. Columbus Sci-Fi & Anime Expo
Location: Various locations across Columbus, OH
Though not a permanent store, the Columbus Sci-Fi & Anime Expo is one of the best places to find anime merchandise in the area. The event hosts numerous vendors offering exclusive anime figures, manga, posters, cosplay accessories, and other collectibles. The expo also offers anime screenings, cosplay competitions, and a variety of activities for fans of all ages.
Why Visit: A one-of-a-kind event to find exclusive anime items and enjoy all things anime, including screenings and cosplay contests.
6. Micro Center
Location: 2890 Silver Dr, Columbus, OH 43231
While primarily a technology store, Micro Center also carries anime-related merchandise, including figures, collectibles, and DVDs. It’s a great stop for fans who may also be interested in technology and gaming but want to pick up some anime products as well. Micro Center is also a great place to find tech gadgets related to anime, such as limited-edition electronics.
Why Visit: A tech-focused store that offers a solid selection of anime figures and collectibles.
7. Toyriffic
Location: 4611 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43213
Toyriffic is a toy store that features a dedicated section for anime merchandise, including action figures, plushies, and other collectibles. They offer a variety of toys and figures from popular anime series like “Dragon Ball Z,” “Naruto,” and “One Piece.” Toyriffic is a fun place to shop for anime-themed toys and games, especially for younger fans.
Why Visit: A toy store with a great selection of anime figures and toys for kids and collectors alike.
8. GameStop
Location: Various locations across Columbus, OH
GameStop is widely known for its video games, but it also carries a selection of anime-related products. Fans can find Funko Pop! anime figures, DVDs, Blu-rays, and accessories at several GameStop locations throughout Columbus. It’s a great place for fans who want to pick up anime merchandise while also shopping for games.
Why Visit: Convenient locations offering Funko Pop! anime figures, DVDs, and accessories in addition to video games.
9. FYE (For Your Entertainment)
Location: 3030 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207
FYE is a well-known retailer with an extensive selection of anime DVDs, Blu-rays, and other media. They offer a wide range of anime series and movies, along with figures, posters, and other merchandise. FYE is a great stop for anyone looking for the latest anime releases or exclusive collectibles.
Why Visit: A reliable retailer for anime DVDs, Blu-rays, figures, and exclusive collectibles.
10. Half Price Books
Location: 1751 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43221
Half Price Books is a chain that carries both new and used books, including a large selection of manga and anime-related materials. The store offers affordable pricing, so it’s an excellent choice for fans looking to score a deal on manga or anime-related books. Half Price Books also carries anime-themed posters and accessories.
Why Visit: Affordable and diverse selection of used manga and anime-related books, with a focus on great deals.
Conclusion
In 2025, Columbus continues to be a vibrant destination for anime fans, with a diverse range of stores offering everything from manga and action figures to cosplay gear and collectibles. Whether you’re looking for the latest anime releases, budget-friendly finds, or rare collectibles, these top 10 stores have something for everyone. Dive into Columbus’s growing anime scene and explore these fantastic spots for all your anime shopping needs!
