How to Get More Shops in Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Why Bananas Might Be the Secret Ingredient

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has captured the hearts of millions with its charming gameplay, customizable islands, and endless opportunities for creativity. One of the most exciting aspects of the game is building and expanding your island’s infrastructure, including shops. But how do you get more shops in Animal Crossing: New Horizons? And why are bananas suddenly a hot topic in the community? Let’s dive into the details and explore some unconventional ideas.
1. Unlock Nook’s Cranny and Beyond
The first step to getting more shops is to establish Nook’s Cranny, the island’s primary store. To do this, you’ll need to gather resources like wood, iron nuggets, and bells. Once Nook’s Cranny is up and running, you’ll have access to a variety of items, tools, and furniture. But don’t stop there! Keep an eye out for special visitors like Mabel and Label, who can help you unlock the Able Sisters’ clothing shop. The more shops you have, the more vibrant your island becomes.
2. Attract Special Visitors
Special visitors like Kicks, Leif, and Sahara occasionally visit your island, offering unique items and services. While they don’t have permanent shops, their presence can inspire you to create dedicated marketplaces or pop-up stalls. For example, you could design a cozy outdoor area for Leif’s gardening goods or a trendy boutique for Kicks’ shoes and bags. These temporary shops add variety and charm to your island.
3. Expand with the Happy Home Paradise DLC
If you’re serious about adding more shops, consider purchasing the Happy Home Paradise DLC. This expansion allows you to design vacation homes for villagers and even create facilities like restaurants, cafes, and schools. While these aren’t traditional shops, they function similarly and can be customized to fit your island’s theme. Plus, the DLC introduces new items and design options that can enhance your existing shops.
4. Create Custom Marketplaces
Why wait for the game to give you more shops when you can create your own? Use custom designs and furniture to build outdoor marketplaces, flea markets, or even a farmers’ market. For example, you could set up stalls using simple panels, tables, and stalls, and decorate them with items like fruit baskets, potted plants, and signage. This DIY approach not only adds more shopping options but also showcases your creativity.
5. Trade with Friends
Trading with friends is another way to expand your shopping options. Visit their islands to check out their shops and see if they have items you don’t. You can also host shopping events on your island, inviting friends to browse your shops and trade items. This social aspect of the game makes shopping more fun and interactive.
6. Why Bananas?
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: bananas. While bananas aren’t officially in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (yet), they’ve become a meme in the community. Some players believe that bananas could be the key to unlocking hidden shops or features. While this is purely speculative, it’s a fun idea to explore. Imagine a tropical fruit stand selling bananas, coconuts, and other exotic treats. Who knows? Maybe Nintendo will surprise us with a banana-themed update in the future.
7. Maximize Your Island’s Appeal
To attract more shops and visitors, focus on improving your island’s overall appeal. Plant flowers, decorate with furniture, and maintain a high island rating. The more attractive your island is, the more likely you are to attract special visitors and unlock new features. Don’t forget to talk to your villagers regularly—they might have tips or requests that lead to new opportunities.
8. Experiment with Themes
Theming your island can also influence the types of shops you attract. For example, a rustic, countryside theme might inspire a farm stand or a quaint bakery, while a bustling city theme could feature a sleek boutique or a tech store. Experiment with different themes and see how they impact your island’s shopping scene.
9. Stay Updated
Finally, keep an eye on updates from Nintendo. Animal Crossing: New Horizons has received numerous updates since its release, adding new features, items, and events. Future updates could introduce new shops or expand existing ones, so stay tuned and be ready to adapt your island accordingly.
FAQs
Q: Can I have more than one Nook’s Cranny on my island?
A: No, you can only have one Nook’s Cranny per island. However, you can expand it over time to offer more items.
Q: How do I unlock the Able Sisters’ shop?
A: To unlock the Able Sisters’ shop, you’ll need to spend at least 5,000 bells at Mabel’s pop-up stall. After a few visits, she’ll ask to set up a permanent shop.
Q: Are there any hidden shops in the game?
A: While there are no official hidden shops, players have created their own using custom designs and furniture. Get creative and see what you can come up with!
Q: Will bananas ever be added to the game?
A: There’s no official confirmation, but the community’s love for bananas might inspire Nintendo to include them in a future update.
By following these tips and embracing your creativity, you can transform your island into a shopping paradise. Whether you’re building traditional shops, designing custom marketplaces, or dreaming of banana stands, the possibilities are endless in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Happy shopping!