Pop Mart’s Rise: How Labubu and Blind Boxes Took Over

labubu

Pop Mart, a Chinese toy company, has seen its stock jump over 1,200% recently. This huge growth is due to the popularity of its blind box collectibles, like the Labubu series. These toys are hard to find, which makes people want them even more. Social media is full of videos of people opening these blind boxes, and fans are even traveling to other countries to buy special products. But how can Pop Mart stay popular and not just be a short-lived trend?

Blind Boxes: The Key to Pop Mart’s Success

Pop Mart’s rise to fame is largely due to its use of blind boxes. When customers buy a blind box, they don’t know which toy is inside. This creates excitement and a sense of surprise.

  • Blind boxes made up over 70% of Pop Mart’s income in 2019.
  • The company now has over 500 stores and 2,000 vending machines worldwide.
  • Each blind box costs around $20 to $30.

Even though you don’t know exactly what you’re getting, Pop Mart often gives hints about the toys inside. For example, a box might say “Have a seat.” This tells you what series the toy is from, but you still don’t know which character you’ll get.

Many people want to collect a whole set of characters. This makes them buy more blind boxes. Even if you don’t get the exact toy you want, opening a blind box is still fun.

Creating a Unique Experience

Pop Mart didn’t invent blind boxes, but it has made them very popular. The company focuses on creating a fun and engaging experience for its customers.

When Pop Mart released its Big into Energy Labubu line, 2,500 people showed up early to buy it. This shows how excited people are about Pop Mart’s products.

Stores are a key part of Pop Mart’s plan to grow outside of China. In 2024, sales outside of China tripled. Now, almost 40% of the company’s sales come from overseas, up from 17% in 2023. Pop Mart plans to open more than 20 stores in the U.S. by the end of 2025.

Finding the Right Characters

The toys inside the boxes are what really drive people to the stores. Pop Mart works with artists to create exclusive products. In 2024, over 85% of its income came from these unique toys.

In 2016, Pop Mart worked with artist Kenny Wong to create the Molly Zodiac series. The Labubu line, designed by Kasing Lung, is now the biggest source of Pop Mart’s growth. Its income jumped 726% from the year before.

People love the characters so much that they sell for high prices on the secondary market. Pop Mart knows that finding the right artists and characters is key to its success. In 2023, the company released the Peach Riot series with its first U.S.-based artist, Libby Frame. Pop Mart says this is now its most popular line in North America.

Pop Mart wants to keep creating products for Western markets and work with more Western artists.

More Than Just Blind Boxes

Pop Mart is different from other blind box companies. Japanese company Dreams focuses on creating its own characters, while Chinese retailer Miniso mainly sells products from other companies.

The popularity of blind boxes has led to some concerns. Some people compare them to gambling because of the excitement of the unknown and the desire for a big win. Some countries have even started to regulate the industry. Singapore has suggested limiting the value of mystery boxes to about $77 USD. China has banned the sale of blind boxes to children under eight years old.

Pop Mart says its target audience is adult collectors. These products are not meant for children.

Like any trend, there’s a chance that blind boxes could become less popular. That’s why Pop Mart is working to offer other products.

What’s Next for Pop Mart?

Pop Mart is expanding its product line to include plush toys and accessories. These categories are growing quickly. The company is also looking at creating theme parks and digital content. This will help people connect with the characters in new ways and keep them interested in the long run.

Want to stay up-to-date on the latest Pop Mart releases? Visit their website and sign up for their newsletter!

Conclusion

Pop Mart has seen incredible growth thanks to its blind box collectibles like Labubu. The company focuses on creating a fun experience for its customers, finding the right artists, and offering unique products. While the future is uncertain, Pop Mart is working to diversify its offerings and build lasting relationships with its fans.

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Picture of Aveline Lux

Aveline Lux

Aveline Lux is a visionary writer and digital storyteller, using her blog on CitiWell Shop as a platform to explore the intersection of creativity, commerce, and culture.

Traveling extensively across continents, Aveline draws inspiration from different cultures and global trends, infusing her articles with unique perspectives and practical insights.

Aveline enjoys photography, hiking through nature trails, and curating playlists that fuel her creative process.

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