Collectible plushies and trinkets have made waves on social media, and they’re fueling a new business venture around Chicago. <\/p>\n
Claw machine arcades have emerged as popular sources of rare collectibles, like Labubus, Sonny Angels and Smiskis, and the Chicago area has its fair share of businesses. <\/p>\n
The arcades advertise themselves as providing fun for all ages, with some offering popular children’s character plushies and remaining open late for date nights. On social media, the arcades also lean into trending collectibles, advertising popular items available to customers. <\/p>\n
Located in Chinatown, Claw It Chicago opened its doors in May. The arcade has machines containing plushies, giant stuffed animals and blind boxes, mystery containers customers can open to reveal a secret prize.<\/p>\n
Some of the machines have rare collectible items like Labubus, according to a paid collaboration with Chicago influencer keninchicago on Instagram. <\/p>\n
Tokens cost $1 each, and medium plush toy prizes can be traded in for other prizes at the arcade’s trade-in counter. A sign at the arcade advertises prizes like Pokemon, Labubu and more. Spending $15 on tokens enters customers into a monthly giveaway for more prizes and tokens, according to the video. <\/p>\n
Claw It is located at 2252 S. Canal St. Unit 205, and is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. More information about the arcade can be found on the business’s Instagram page<\/a>. <\/p>\n Claw City, at 3200 Oak Park Ave. Suite E in Berwyn, also flaunts claw machines filled with collectable items. The arcade opened last summer. <\/p>\n Like Claw It, Claw City has machines with blind boxes, popular characters and plushies. Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, the arcade also offers deals for birthday parties and other celebrations, as well as a wall of stuffed animals for photo opportunities. <\/p>\n According to the arcade’s Instagram, customers can also exchange and upgrade their prizes for larger, rarer items. Claw City frequently posts about new items available at the arcade on its Instagram page.<\/a> <\/p>\n More Chicago-area claw machine arcades may soon be opening. <\/p>\n In April, Infunite Claw began advertising the launch of an arcade at 2105 S Jefferson St. Their website<\/a> also advertises an Aurora location at 4304 E New York St. However, the company has yet to announce opening dates and did not respond to a request for comment.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t