Crunchyroll Limits Official Store to Its Most Expensive Subscription Tiers
Crunchyroll announced on July 14 that it will restrict access to its online merchandise store to premium subscribers, limiting purchases to users with either Mega Fan or Ultimate Fan subscriptions, requiring a minimum of $13.99 monthly. The store, which previously allowed anyone with an internet connection to browse and purchase merchandise, collectibles, and figurines, will soon close to the general public.
The decision has already generated backlash from the community. Previously, potential customers could freely access the Crunchyroll store regardless of subscription status, allowing casual visitors and non-subscribers to explore and purchase branded products. This change represents a significant shift in the company’s merchandising strategy and customer access model.
The move restricts store access exclusively to the company’s most expensive subscription tiers, requiring customers to maintain a paid subscription to shop for merchandise. The official announcement was shared via Crunchyroll’s blog on July 14, marking the formal notification of this business model change.
This decision reflects broader trends in the anime and entertainment industries as companies increasingly tie additional perks and services to premium subscription tiers as a monetization strategy. The restriction combines merchandise sales with subscription benefits, creating an additional incentive for maintaining higher-tier subscriptions among the platform’s user base.