Robot Reboot

Danger Danger! Phoenix's fav Sci-Fi sanctuary is blasting off for a new home planet

Not to start your Monday off on a down note, but the Valley’s coolest collectables and curios shop is officially closing at the end of the month. Yes, Red Hot Robot, the Tokyo-tastic home for everything Anime and Sci-Fi is shuttering its sleek storefront inside Central Phoenix’s popular Medlock Plaza mini mall. (Located at Central and Camelback, Medlock’s also home to the charming Frances Boutique, the indie record shop Stinkweeds and the cotton candy-colored Smeeks sweets shop.)

But fear not Red Hot Robot fans, the store is simply moving into a new space at the even-hipper corner that is 16th St. and Bethany Home. Officially opening on March 5, the new space will also feature an all-new mix of collectables, graphic T’s and artwork, says owner Jason Kiningham (pictured playing with some of his fav robot friends). In other words, less obscure Japanese figurines and edgy graffiti art, and more retro-futuristic 1950’s Space Age stuff. In fact, this former art director for various Valley publications such as Phoenix Magazine, describes the new RHR as a “museum gift shop meets Jute ‘n Hoops,” aka the much-missed gift and toy shop that used to be located at Phoenix’s Town & Country shopping center.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. Be there and be square.

Image via the inimitable Mark Lipczynski Photography