About

Learn more about AQI and our team's fascinating beginnings

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About AQI

Aliquantum International Inc. has delivered quality lifestyle brands and products to the World Market. As a leading global manufacturer, distributor, and licensee, AQI brings to life our products and those of our partners. Our brands and products can be found in leading retailers, including Barnes and Noble, FYE, Urban Outfitters, Target, thousands of specialty retailers, and e-commerce partners.

AQI is proud of the unique and trend-setting portfolio that has led us to constant growth year over year. We are proud to be a licensee and distributor of products and characters for San-X, LINE, BT21, Monchhichi, Tokidoki, Smithsonian, and many others. AQI’s team spans across the world with our headquarters and distribution center in California, and international offices in China and Japan.

Manufacturing

Distribution

Licensing

Retailer

Marketing

2009

September 2009

Aliquantum International is Established

In 2009, drawing from his extensive toy industry experience, David founded AQI, a company offering licensing, distribution, and manufacturing services. David’s established professional relationships from the previous decade were instrumental in supporting AQI’s successful startup.

2010

Spearheaded ToysRUs Private Label Program

The business got its start by focusing on Imaginarium and Totally Me within Toys R Us. As the business grew, new licensors were added to expand the product line. Eventually, the company moved into the outdoor sporting goods and toy markets, further diversifying their offerings.

2011

First Location in Norwalk, CA

In 2011, the company established its first headquarters office in Norwalk, California. This milestone marked an important step towards centralizing and streamlining the company’s business activities. The new office served as a hub for the company’s operations and provided a dedicated space for employees to collaborate and innovate.

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2012

10+ Employees

In 2012, the company reached a significant milestone by hiring 10+ employees. This marked a period of rapid growth for the company as it expanded its operations and sought to meet the increasing demand for its products and services. The addition of these new team members brought a wealth of new skills and expertise to the company, enabling it to continue to innovate and develop new offerings for its customers.

2013

Managed Rilakkuma Distribution

In 2013, David took a trip to Hong Kong where he discovered the popular brand Rilakkuma. While there, he had the opportunity to observe firsthand how consumers interacted with the brand and its products at the retail level. Inspired by what he saw, David brought his newfound knowledge and expertise back to the company, where it would go on to influence the company’s future product offerings and business strategy.

2014

Became Rilakkuma Licensee

David’s trip to Hong Kong in 2013 not only introduced him to the popular brand Rilakkuma, but it also opened doors to additional potential licensing deals for the company. Building on the success of the trip, the company expanded its age group target market to include 15-35-year-olds, recognizing the growing demand for innovative, design-led products among this demographic. In addition, the trip also opened doors to Kawaii brands, which the company would go on to incorporate into its product line, further diversifying its offerings and appealing to a wider range of customers.

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2015

Opened Sales Office in Ohio

In 2015, the company continued to expand its physical presence by opening a sales office in Ohio. This new office served as a hub for the company’s sales and marketing efforts in the region, and enabled the company to better connect with local customers and suppliers. The opening of the sales office in Ohio was an important step towards building a more robust, nationwide network of sales and support, and further strengthened the company’s ability to provide high-quality products and services to its customers.

2016

Moved Operation to Ontario, CA

In 2016, the company opened a new headquarters, signaling a period of significant growth and expansion. This new office provided a state-of-the-art facility for the company’s operations, enabling it to better serve its customers and support its employees.

2017

25+ Employees

The company continued to experience strong growth in 2017 when it reached a significant milestone of hiring 25 or more employees company-wide. This growth was a testament to the company’s commitment to building a strong, talented team and its dedication to providing high-quality products and services to its customers. With this expanded team, the company was able to take on new challenges and pursue new opportunities, driving continued growth and success. This milestone marked an important step forward in the company’s journey towards becoming a leading player in its industry.

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2018

Launched Rilakkuma Times Square Location

In 2018, the company opened a new flagship store in Times Square featuring the popular Rilakkuma brand. This new location served as a showcase for the company’s commitment to innovation, design, and quality, and quickly became a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The launch of the Rilakkuma Times Square location was just one of many initiatives aimed at supporting the exposure and branding efforts of the company’s flagship AQI brand. Through these efforts, the company was able to expand its reach and deepen its connection with customers and partners around the world, driving continued growth and success.

2018

Opened AQI Japan

In 2018, AQI made a major move in expanding its global reach by opening an office in Japan. With this expansion, AQI has been able to establish a strong presence in the Japanese market, becoming a leading manufacturer of plush products. The new office has enabled AQI to provide better support to its customers in Japan, as well as strengthen relationships with suppliers and partners in the region.

September 2019

Launched jellybeet.com

In 2019, the company launched jellybeet.com, a new B2C website that served as a one-stop-shop for all things related to Kawaii brands. The new website featured an extensive selection of exclusive products, as well as a learning center where customers could discover more about the company’s products, services, and mission.

2020

Opened AQI China Office

In 2020, the company continued to expand its global footprint with the opening of AQI China, a new facility dedicated to quality control, better pricing, and strengthening partnerships and relationships with brands.

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2021

Launched jb LIVE Streaming

In 2021, the company continued its commitment to innovation by building a state-of-the-art studio and launching live shopping capabilities through website integrations and the latest technologies to protect customer data. This new capability enabled customers to engage with the company in real-time, ask questions about products, and make purchases all within a live stream environment.

2022

100+ Employees

In 2022, the company reached a significant milestone by hiring 100+ employees worldwide. This was a testament to the company’s continued growth and success, as it expanded its operations and reached new customers and markets around the world. This milestone marked an important step in the company’s journey towards becoming a leading player in its industry, and a testament to its dedication to building a strong, talented team and delivering high-quality products and services to its customers.

2023

Rilakkuma USA Tour

In 2023 Aliquantum International proudly announced and managed the “Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary USA Tour,“ a first-of-its-kind celebration for the beloved character Rilakkuma. The tour spanned six major U.S. cities, including Newark, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago. Fans had the unique opportunity to meet Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma, purchase exclusive American-inspired merchandise, and enjoy a pop-up store. This tour not only celebrated Rilakkuma’s 20-year legacy but also strengthened connections with fans across the country, providing unforgettable experiences and exclusive collectible merchandise

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Our Story

We have a very unique beginning. Read our entire story and get to know the team a little better

Learn More

Divisions

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Manufacturing

Distribution

Licensing

Retailer

Contact

Executive Team

At AQI, we're passionate about the quality of our products and the relationships we build with our retail partners. We believe in bringing real value to the market through tangible goods that impact people's lives. We distinguish ourselves from competitors by treating our partnerships with retailers as genuine collaborations. We work closely with them to develop products that meet their customers' specific needs and to grow together. We take pride in our strong bonds with our partners and look forward to building many more.

Ashley RockeyExecutive Director of Sales

2009

Aliquantum International is Established

Spearheaded ToysRUs Private Label Program

First Location in Norwalk, CA

2012

10+ Employees

Managed Rilakkuma Distribution

Became Rilakkuma Licensee

2015

Opened Sales Office in Ohio

Moved Operation to Ontario, CA

25+ Employees

2018

Launched Rilakkuma Times Square Location

Opened AQI Japan

Launched jellybeet.com

Opened AQI China Office

2021

Launched jb LIVE Streaming

100+ Employees

Rilakkuma USA Tour

David Ringer

Wayne Lin

Ashley Rockey

Rene Escamilla