AnimeCollect, an online anime and manga store in Monrovia, Calif., is a collector´s paradise. Eric Canlas carries everything from DVDs and CDs to books and apparel.

"DVDs and books have the most steady sales," Canlas said. "Action figure sales, on the other hand, come in spikes. Sales on those depend on how popular the character is. The best-selling item we have right now is the InuYasha Action Figure Set. International sales make up about 10 percent. We do realize that customers outside the U.S. have different buying patterns. Of course, what could be popular here may not be popular in a different country."

Chasing a Dream

Canlas worked for several e-commerce companies before starting AnimeCollect. He learned from experience and applied his own knowledge to correct flaws. Today, he´s working on a bachelor´s degree in international business and marketing. Attributing his success to team determination, his goal is to become the best anime and manga store online.

When faced with the growing phenomenon of chain stores, Canlas doesn´t feel intimidated. "I believe that one-store operations will stay for awhile as long as they keep the ´hardcore´ fans coming to them," he said. "Of course, when anything goes mainstream, it could be difficult to keep up with the rapid growth and spread of competition. One-store operations might need to expand in order to continue their business. The beauty of having an online store is that we are already accessible to anyone in the world who has an Internet connection."

Genres and Sub-Genres

Canlas believes it´s an error to consider anime and manga as one genre targeted to one specific demographic. The market has sub-genres suited to different ages, offering even adult material with sexual content. High school and college students buy the sci-fi and action titles, usually outside the mainstream. Parents buy mainstream for their children.

"Children usually know what to tell their parents to buy because they already saw an episode of say, InuYasha, on TV," Canlas said.

Hard work and determination built his business. His ultimate goal is to provide anything an anime fan might want.

For more information on anime and manga, please take a look at For Fans, Anime is a Way of Life