Throughout our downtown community, there are many amazing stores to visit and explore. Most of them are small businesses that rely on Palmer High School students for most of their income. Recently, a new place has opened right across from Acacia Park. It’s called “Clawderland”, and it’s one of many around Colorado Springs. I interviewed Christine James (CJ), who is an employee/machine handler at Clawderland.
Clawderland is a Japanese claw machine arcade where you can buy coins and play with the claw machines. The claw machines have different types of stuffed animals including Sanrio Characters like Hello Kitty, Labubu’s, and different types of animals. “The purpose is to bring joy and happiness to people. Bright colors, good music, and good energy,” CJ stated when asked what’s the purpose of Clawderland.
Depending on how much you pay, you can receive a couple of coins to put into the claw machines in order to play. While I was interviewing CJ, I played a couple rounds of the various machines. I didn’t win anything, but I enjoyed the thrill and anticipation while attempting. “We have three kinds of claw machines: we got the standard one that you normally see, Labubu unlock key, and a large Kuromi toy that you have to cut the string from. It’s basically like a claw machine/arcade type of thing.”
Throughout the downtown area, there are some that deserve to be recognized. Clawderland just opened and is already seeing major traction, especially among Palmer students. During lunchtime there are students inside enjoying the claw machines with their friends. “I feel people should come visit the store to elevate their mood, have a good time, and throw out whatever bad energy they have for the day and come here and have a good time.”
