As a mom of four, Le-An Than is always looking for new ways to entertain her kiddos. After all, there are only so many museums and playgrounds to patronize before they seem to lose their luster, she said. One place that never gets old, however, is the arcade.
More specifically, the section with claw machines that enthrall and tantalize. “It’s like casinos for kids,” said Than, who lives in Westminster. “It’s lights and music and toys, the adrenaline you get when you win a toy.
And it takes coordination too.” That’s why Than will soon open an arcade in Aurora that specializes in one style of game. (2740 S.
Havana St., Ste M, Aurora) is expected to open on July 13 and when it does, locals will find more than 40 different claw machines filled with plushies and stuffed animals waiting to be snatched up and taken to a loving home. Inspired by the popularity of claw machines in Asia, Than is stocking most of the games with kawaii toys.
Kawaii is a Japanese term of endearment that means cute or, literally, according to gaming site Kotaku. The term, which has many uses in Japan, developed into a distinct culture and style that has percolated through fashion, art and pop culture. Think along the lines of Hello Kitty, Pokémon and anime, Than said.
Than, who also co-owns juicery in Denver, has been working on the arcade concept for about a year, both formally by scouring the Front Range for a location and informally by visiting similar concepts throughout the country and.