Pop Mart, the iconic Chinese collectible toy brand, is making waves on a global scale, recently climbing to the top of Apple’s US App Store charts. Known for its quirky characters like Labubu and Skullpanda, Pop Mart has transformed from a local trend into an international sensation.
In a recent feature, journalist Rachel visited a Pop Mart store in Beijing to understand what’s behind the brand’s massive appeal—and it’s more than just cute toys.
Pop Mart isn’t just selling toys; it’s selling experiences and emotions. Fans around the world are going crazy for its figures for several reasons:
- Character Connection: Each toy tells a story—Labubu, the wild forest creature, and Skullpanda, the edgy gothic icon, have unique backstories that resonate with fans.
- Blind Box Thrill: Shoppers never know what they’ll get, which adds an element of surprise and excitement.
- Collectible Culture: Limited editions and seasonal drops create a frenzy similar to sneaker culture.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The toys are artistically designed, often considered mini art pieces for display.
Walking into a Pop Mart store feels like stepping into a different world. With vibrant displays and rows of mystery boxes, customers often spend hours just browsing and trading figures. Rachel’s visit in Beijing highlighted the emotional connection fans have with these characters—from first-time buyers to hardcore collectors.
In a surprising twist, Pop Mart recently soared to the top spot on Apple’s US App Store, proving that its charm knows no borders. Its mobile app allows users to browse collections, order exclusive releases, join fan communities, and watch live unboxings. The app's success is a major leap in bringing Chinese pop culture to a wider international audience.
Pop Mart’s rise mirrors the growing global interest in Asian pop culture. What started as a niche market has now become a global movement, connecting collectors across continents. It blends art, storytelling, and emotion—something fans from New York to Tokyo can relate to.
With its expanding fanbase and successful digital presence, Pop Mart is expected to launch more international collaborations, interactive online experiences, and possibly more themed stores overseas. Labubu and Skullpanda might just be the beginning.
In the UK, Pop Mart's influence is also palpable, particularly in Manchester, where a viral toy shop has drawn long queues for its Labubu plushies. The shop, which opened in March 2025, has already announced plans to expand with a second location at the Trafford Centre. Known for stocking all the latest viral collectible crazes, Pop Mart is set to bring the same excitement to its new venue.
Labubu, with its cheeky grin and bunny-like ears, has become a must-have item. Many find the plush toys to be cute and cuddly, while others deem them a bit creepy. Regardless, the demand is undeniable, with social media users reporting long queues even before the shop opens.
One social media user commented, “I went past on the tram at 7:30 this morning and there were half a dozen people in the queue already!” The popularity of Labubu has surged, thanks in part to celebrity endorsements, including Love Island star Olivia Attwood.
Meanwhile, the trend is not limited to the UK. In Australia, people are queuing at 3 am to buy Labubu plushies, showcasing the toy's status as a cultural phenomenon. Designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, Labubu has become the ultimate status-boosting item after soaring to popularity with celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa.
Despite its initial release in Asia in 2019, Labubu only took off after Blackpink’s Lisa was spotted with a keychain-version of the doll in April 2024. Now, there are 11 Pop Mart stores in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, each attracting large crowds eager to snag the latest plushie.
Pop Mart describes itself as a “rising global force in pop culture and entertainment,” and the excitement mirrors what’s seen in major cities worldwide. The company collaborates with various designers to create highly collectible figurines, with each blind box containing a random design, adding to the thrill of the chase.
In China, a new trend called the “Labubu Imperial Crown” has emerged, where collectors are dressing their toys in regal attire. This trend began when fans discovered that bridal accessories from a niche brand were the perfect scale for Labubu dolls. The aesthetic has gone viral, with toy retailers offering everything from dragon-and-phoenix crowns to ceremonial sets designed to transform Labubu from a playful character into a miniature monarch.
As the Labubu craze continues to grow, it has become a canvas for cultural expression and creativity, allowing fans to engage with their collectibles in new and exciting ways. With its blend of art, storytelling, and emotional connection, Labubu has firmly established itself as a cultural phenomenon.
As Pop Mart expands its reach and continues to innovate, it's clear that the Labubu and its companions are more than just toys—they're a symbol of a vibrant and dynamic pop culture movement that resonates with fans around the globe.
