Gene Field opened the first AnimeNation store in Clearwater, Florida, in 1995, establishing a physical hub for anime culture in the United States before the internet boom fully took hold. This venture began as a small business but quickly evolved into a multi-faceted operation that included a discussion forum, industry news, and a retail space. By 1999, the company had outgrown its initial location and constructed a massive 15,000-square-foot facility in the Lynmar Commerce Park in Tampa, Florida, signaling a serious commitment to the market. The company grew to become one of the top two online anime specialty retailers in the United States by 2004, proving that a niche interest could support a large-scale commercial enterprise. This early success laid the groundwork for a decade of expansion that would eventually see the company enter the complex world of anime licensing and distribution.
The Voice Behind The Blog
John Oppliger, an employee at AnimeNation, became the public face of the company through his regular column titled Ask John, which began answering reader questions about anime. By 2005, Oppliger had written over 1,070 articles, establishing himself as a trusted authority and a bridge between the industry and the fanbase. The column provided a unique platform for fans to ask specific questions about obscure titles, production details, and industry trends, creating a community around the website. Even after the online store closed in 2014, the Ask John blog and forums continued to operate, maintaining a connection with the audience long after the retail aspect of the business had ceased. Oppliger's work ensured that AnimeNation remained a relevant voice in the anime community, even as the company shifted its focus away from direct retail sales.AN Entertainment Licensing Strategy
In 2002, AnimeNation entered the anime licensing market under the name AN Entertainment, a decision driven by the need to compete with other companies in the rapidly growing industry. The name AN Entertainment was chosen to allow for the possibility of licensing other types of shows, including live-action productions, though the company primarily focused on anime. The company adopted a strategy of finishing one title before licensing another to ensure the highest quality product, a decision influenced by small staffing numbers that made it impossible to handle multiple projects simultaneously. This approach allowed them to produce a limited but high-quality catalog of titles, distinguishing them from competitors who rushed to release as many shows as possible. The first title they licensed was Risky Safety, which was produced in collaboration with Bang Zoom! Entertainment and distributed by ADV Films.