What kawaii stationery sells first at a shop counter?

Why do the small things go first?

Because nobody has to think about them. A child sees a food-shaped eraser or a pen with a character on top and buys it with pocket money, without a parent deciding. That is why these belong at the counter, near the till, rather than on a back shelf.

Does the character matter more than the pen?

Usually, yes. Buyers pick by character, not by pen — a cat, a panda, an astronaut, a football. Keep a few themes side by side so the counter shows a choice, and reorder whichever theme your customers keep asking for.

Where do sets and pencil boxes fit?

They are the bigger buy, for a parent or for a gift. They move hardest before a school session starts and around festivals, when a complete set looks like a present without needing to be wrapped as one.

How much of each should I start with?

One case of a design is 6 to 60 pieces depending on the item, which is enough to see whether it sells. Start with one case each of several designs across the small ranges, and add sets once you know your customers.