POP MART
The Leading Global Character-Based Entertainment and Designer Toy Brand
A complete guide to POP MART, the leading global character-based entertainment and designer toy brand.
Overview
POP MART is a leading global character-based entertainment and designer toy brand founded in 2010 in Beijing, China. The company pioneered the blind box collectible market and is renowned for its original IP characters, including Molly, Labubu (from The Monsters series), Dimoo, Skullpanda, Crybaby, and others.
By fusing art, emotional storytelling, and collectible culture, POP MART has elevated designer toys into a mainstream global phenomenon. As of 2026, the brand operates over 700 physical stores and thousands of robotic vending machines (Robo Shops) across more than 30 countries and regions. It is publicly listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX: 9992).
History & Background
POP MART was founded in 2010 by Wang Ning in Beijing, initially operating as a lifestyle variety retail store in Zhongguancun selling creative goods. The company pivoted to focus on designer toys and collectibles around 2014–2016.
The major breakthrough occurred in 2016 with an exclusive partnership with Hong Kong artist Kenny Wong for the character Molly, whose blind box series achieved massive success and solidified POP MART's leadership in the art toy category.
In 2020, POP MART listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX: 9992), becoming a landmark moment for China's designer toy industry and enabling accelerated global expansion.
Product Categories
Blind Box Figures
POP MART’s flagship category. Each series includes multiple designs plus rare “secret” or “hidden” editions, fueling collector excitement, repeat purchases, and community trading.
Designer Toys
Limited-edition art figures, often in artist collaborations or premium formats.
Plush & Lifestyle Goods
Character-inspired plush toys, bag charms/pendants, accessories, stationery, apparel, and home décor—especially popular in recent years with vinyl-faced plush and mini pendants.
Mega & Large-Scale Figures
Oversized statues (e.g., 400% or larger scales) and high-end display pieces for serious collectors.
Major Product Lines
POP MART excels through its robust original IP ecosystem. Core and rising lines (as of 2026) include:
- Molly
- Labubu (The Monsters series – currently the top-performing IP)
- Dimoo
- Skullpanda
- Crybaby
- Pucky
- Hirono
- Hacipupu
- Twinkle Twinkle (emerging breakout IP)
- Others (e.g., Kubo, Merodi After School – newer additions)
These IPs receive frequent themed blind box releases (e.g., seasonal, fantasy, crossover, or lifestyle-inspired), maintaining freshness and high collectibility. Labubu has notably dominated recent sales and global popularity.
Key Franchises & Licenses
While prioritizing original IPs, POP MART regularly collaborates with major international brands to broaden appeal:
- Disney (including Stitch, Mickey/Steamboat Willie themes, princesses)
- Marvel
- Sanrio (Hello Kitty and crossovers)
- Harry Potter
- Star Wars
- Others (e.g., Hot Wheels, DC, Minions, Teletubbies)
These licensed series attract mainstream pop culture fans and drive crossover excitement.
Global Presence
POP MART has aggressively expanded internationally. As of 2026, it operates:
- Over 700 staffed stores and thousands of Robo Shop vending machines worldwide
- Strong presence in Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia), Europe (UK, France, etc.), North America (US, Canada), Australia, and beyond
- Flagship and experiential stores in major cities including Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, London, Paris, Los Angeles, New York, and emerging markets
The company continues rapid growth in Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe, supported by new supply chain bases (e.g., Cambodia, Mexico, Indonesia) and online platforms serving global customers.
Market Position & Collectibility
POP MART bridges affordable entry-level collectibles and premium art toys.
- Standard blind boxes: accessible mid-range pricing
- Limited editions, mega figures, and plush pendants: higher-end appeal
- Rare/secret figures: significant secondary market premiums, with some discontinued items reselling for multiples of retail
The blind box format drives completionism, trading communities, and sustained engagement. In 2025–2026, plush and pendant formats (especially Labubu minis) have boosted accessibility and viral popularity.
Why Collect POP MART?
Collectors are attracted to POP MART for:
- Compelling original IP storytelling and emotional connection
- High production quality and consistent releases
- Frequent themed drops and artist collaborations
- Approachable price points with strong resale potential
- Growing global availability and retail experiences
- Vibrant online/offline collector communities
POP MART has created a character-driven universe akin to major entertainment franchises, but rooted in collectible designer toys—now amplified by social media virality and celebrity endorsements.
Where to Buy
Official channels include:
- POP MART official website (regional sites like popmart.com/us, popmart.com, etc.)
- POP MART physical retail stores and flagship locations
- Robo Shop vending machines
- Authorized online/offline retailers
- Major platforms such as Amazon (official storefront)
For rare, limited, or discontinued items, collectors often explore secondary markets, specialty platforms, and resale communities.