Hello Kitty’s global appeal continues to soar in 2024, and the brand’s growing influence presents a major sales opportunity for your business. F
Hello Kitty’s global appeal continues to soar in 2024, and the brand’s growing influence presents a major sales opportunity for your business. From record profits to her massive social media presence, Hello Kitty is capturing the attention of consumers worldwide.
This blog post will dive into key growth stats and trends, along with insights on how you can benefit from Hello Kitty’s 50th Anniversary.
Table of Contents
- Record Profits for Sanrio in 2024
- Strong Growth in Net Sales and Operating Profit
- Hello Kitty’s U.S. Growth & Social Media Impact
- Hello Kitty’s Digital Takeover and TikTok Popularity
- Upcoming Netflix Series & Future Digital Expansion
- How You Can Capitalize on This Growth
1. Record Profits for Sanrio in 2024
Sanrio is celebrating impressive financial performance in 2024, with net profit jumping 82% in the first half of the year to 19 billion yen ($124 million). This surge is partly due to Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary events, as well as strong licensing revenue from the U.S. and China. With Hello Kitty continuing to be a central figure, Sanrio is diversifying, but the character remains a core driver of success.
2. Strong Growth in Net Sales and Operating Profit
In the second quarter of 2024, Sanrio saw remarkable growth:
- 43% increase in net sales, reaching 62.8 billion yen
- 77% increase in operating profit, totaling 23.5 billion yen
This growth is fueled by strong sales both in domestic and international markets, especially in North America and China.
3. Hello Kitty’s U.S. Growth & Social Media Impact
The U.S. is one of Hello Kitty’s fastest-growing markets, with sales in the Americas growing 141% year on year in the latest quarter.
As the younger generation becomes increasingly familiar with Sanrio’s characters, Hello Kitty has become a global pop icon and the second-highest grossing media franchise in the world.
Sanrio’s strong presence on social media is playing a key role in Hello Kitty’s growing fanbase.
4. Hello Kitty’s Digital Takeover and TikTok Popularity
Hello Kitty isn’t just thriving in traditional markets—she’s also dominating in the digital world. With 3.5 million followers and 27.9 million likes on TikTok, she has become a TikTok sensation, appealing to both new fans and long-time collectors.
Furthermore, Hello Kitty’s presence on YouTube is increasing demand for her friends merchandise, with the “Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures” series is currently in its 11th season.
This ongoing 2D animated series, produced by Split Studio and available on Sanrio’s official YouTube channel, is further expanding Hello Kitty’s universe and driving sales for popular friends’ characters, including Cinnamoroll and My Melody.
5. Upcoming Netflix Series & Future Digital Expansion
Breaking news: Netflix Has Announced Stop-Motion Japanese Series: ‘My Melody & Kuromi‘ coming in July 2025!
Looking ahead, Sanrio continues to expand Hello Kitty’s & Friends digital footprint.
A new Netflix animated series, featuring My Melody & Kuromi, will launch in July 2024, further driving the brand’s cultural relevance to a new generation of fans. As Hello Kitty & Friends continue to evolve in the digital space, we can expect even greater visibility and demand for her merchandise.
6. How You Can Capitalize on This Growth
With Hello Kitty’s continued success and growing global presence, now is the time to stock up on Hello Kitty-themed merchandise. We offer a wide variety of high-quality products that cater to Hello Kitty’s broad fanbase, including home décor, toys, apparel, and accessories.
Our wholesale offerings are designed to help your business take full advantage of this trend – whether it’s for children, adults, or collectors. Browse our Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Collection here.
Original article source: “As Hello Kitty turns 50 her cuteness is still earning £3.1bn a year” published by The Guardian on [November 1, 2024].
Additional article source: “Netflix Sets Stop-Motion Japanese Series ‘My Melody & Kuromi”,” published by Hollywood Reporter on [January 9, 2025].
