"There is nothing better than your parents validating your obsessions, and/or purchases," Petty Vengeance Anime & Gaming writes on its website. So the Willoughby shop has made it a mission to convince everyone's parents "that it's all a worthwhile investment (of your time, and money)." Grown-ups get a line, too: "If you're not reliant on your parents' approval anymore, but still looking for validation, we are you, and we are here for you too."

You'll find it in Unit A180 at Willoughby Town Centre, where it holds a 4.9-star Google rating across 60 reviews.

Inspired by tiny shops in Europe

The store says it's locally owned and operated by a family of anime fans. During trips around Europe over the past few years, the family kept finding small anime shops in every country they visited. Those shops inspired Petty Vengeance, the website says, and the family wanted to fill the gap they felt without one in their hometown.

The goal is reasonably priced anime merch for fans across the Lower Mainland. The site also promises to keep the store "a safe, positive, and inclusive place for everyone."

Family art on the back wall

Reviewers keep mentioning the family touches. Several say the family that owns the shop painted the artwork on the back wall, and that one of the owners' daughters is often behind the counter. One customer wrote that the owner "is a talented artist who draws her own prints and makes her own keychains," with "no pressure to buy, just a genuinely helpful and kind environment."

There's a shop dog, too, according to more than one review. One recent visitor called the place "a pure vibe" and described one of the daughters as "super helpful, personable."

Buy three, get the fourth free

Manga is the backbone here. The shop carries a wide range of modern titles across genres, and every volume is always buy three, get the fourth free. One first-time visitor praised the "killer deal on manga" and said the store carried "everything new and popular in terms of manga and merch."

Past the bookshelves you'll find custom apparel for anime and gaming fans and a curated case of figures and collectibles. There are also custom-built figure stands for anyone whose display needs a glow-up. Reviewers say plenty of the merch comes from local artists and vendors.

A few cents short? Covered

Small kindnesses add up in the reviews. One shopper came up "a few cents off and they covered the cost," and rated the visit "10/10, definitely coming again." The first-timer who came for the manga deal said she was "definitely coming back with the friend group."

Regulars can sign up for Petty's Perks, the shop's loyalty program. New members get a discount code toward their next purchase.

Late nights on Thursdays and Fridays

Petty Vengeance is at Unit A180, 20689 Willoughby Town Centre Drive. Check the website for current hours before you go. Call 604-881-9397 or email pettyvengeanceanime@gmail.com. The website's contact form is open for comments, questions and product suggestions, or if you "just need someone to appreciate the same anime as you."

Shopping for the holidays? Holiday hours are posted on the website, and the shop closes on Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Easter Sunday. Pick up that manga gift before the 25th.

Sources: pettyvengeanceanime.com (home/About, products and contact sections), Google reviews (via live post).