POP MART: From a Beijing Shop to a Global Emotional Empire

In an era craving individuality and connection, POP MART has built an emotional empire spanning borders with palm-sized toys.

Enter any POP MART store, and you’ll be captivated by the design-driven collectibles. From the stubborn-faced Molly to the "ugly-cute" Labubu, the dreamy DIMOO to the edgy SKULLPANDA, these small toys are more than just products—they’ve become emotional symbols connecting millions worldwide. And it all started with an unassuming shop in Beijing’s Grandjoy Mall in 2010.

From Trendy Retail to a Collectible Empire

POP MART’s founder, Wang Ning, likely never imagined his small store would ignite a global collectible revolution over the next decade. The turning point came in 2015 when the Japanese IP Sonny Angel, introduced in-store, unexpectedly went viral, alerting the team to the immense potential of the collectible toy market.

In 2016, POP MART made a fateful decision—signing Molly, created by Hong Kong designer Kenny Wong, and launching it in blind box format. The little girl with golden hair, blue eyes, and a perpetual pout instantly took the market by storm, transforming POP MART from a retailer into an IP operator.

The success of the first PTS International Toy Show in 2017 further solidified POP MART’s industry status while providing a global platform for artists. Its 2020 listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in China marked the "little shop’s" official debut as a capital markets phenomenon.

POP MART WORLD: SULLPANDA, MOLLY, LABUBU, DIMOO

The Art Partner Model: Building a Diverse IP Matrix

POP MART’s success stems largely from its "art partner" model, collaborating with global artists. This approach not only offers creative freedom and commercial returns to artists but also enables the brand to build a rich, diversified IP ecosystem.

Following Molly, POP MART launched multiple hit IPs. Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung’s Labubu, with its distinctive "ugly-cute" look and Nordic mythological background, quickly won hearts worldwide. After BLACKPINK’s Lisa openly expressed her love for Labubu, the pointy-eared, nine-toothed creature became a true global sensation.

Meanwhile, Chinese designer AYAN DENG’s DIMOO, with its iconic cloud-like hair and thick fringe, became a vessel for young people’s dreams and innocence. Xiong Miao’s SKULLPANDA, with its cool aesthetics and themes of identity exploration, resonated deeply with individuality-seeking Gen Z.

From Thailand, artist Nisa Srikumdee’s CRYBABY, with its ever-present teardrop, conveys the warm message that "it’s okay to cry," offering solace to many during emotional lows.

Emotional Connection: The Secret to POP MART’s Global Appeal

In an age of material abundance, consumers crave not just products, but the emotional value behind them. POP MART understands this profoundly—it sells not just toys, but emotional projection, community belonging, and the thrill of surprise.

Each POP MART IP is imbued with distinct personalities and rich backstories. Young consumers see their own reflections in these characters—be it Labubu’s playful mischief, SKULLPANDA’s searching ambiguity, or CRYBABY’s vulnerable sensitivity. These toys become emotional vessels, silently accompanying them through life’s ups and downs.

The blind box sales model cleverly taps into human psychology. The heart-pounding anticipation before unwrapping, the euphoria of discovering a hidden edition—it’s like a mini-gamble, triggering dopamine surges. The satisfaction of completing a set, coupled with the joy of showcasing and trading within communities, elevates these collectibles beyond mere commodities into social tokens that connect like-minded enthusiasts.

From China to the World: Cultural Ambassadors

POP MART’s ambitions extend far beyond China. Since initiating its global strategy in 2018, the collectible empire has expanded into 25 countries and regions.

In Paris, the fashion capital, POP MART opened stores near Galeries Lafayette and the Louvre, introducing European consumers to Eastern design aesthetics. In Southeast Asia, Labubu was appointed "Amazing Thailand Experience Officer" by Thai authorities, while DIMOO became "Special Friend for the 50th Anniversary of China-Thailand Diplomatic Relations"—unexpectedly transforming collectible IPs into cultural ambassadors.

The PTS Toy Show in Singapore this August elevated POP MART’s global influence to new heights. A drone light show featuring 1,300 units lit up the night sky, declaring the boundless possibilities of collectible culture to the world.

Even more excitingly, Sony Pictures has acquired the film adaptation rights for LABUBU, planning to bring the adorable creature to the big screen. This signifies Hollywood’s recognition of POP MART’s IP value, marking a key step from toy products to transmedia content.

POP MART Expands LA Presence with New Store in Glendale Galleria

Infinite Possibilities: The Future of Collectibles

From a small shop in Beijing’s Zhongguancun to a global collectible empire connecting consumers through emotion and creativity, POP MART has written a commercial legend of dreams, creativity, and emotional resonance in just over a decade.

Its success reminds us that in an increasingly digital world, people still yearn for tangible objects with warmth and stories to carry emotions. Its growth trajectory proves that Chinese cultural consumption brands can indeed create IPs with global influence, captivating the world.

As POP MART continues to expand globally, we have every reason to believe this emotional empire will keep delivering surprises and inspiration. After all, who can resist beautiful things that truly touch the heart?