As the global fascination with designer toys continues to grow, Labubu, one of Pop Mart’s most beloved characters, is emerging as more than just a collectible, it is evolving into a cultural icon. With Pop Mart’s strategic expansion beyond Asia and a steady stream of creative, forward-thinking product releases, the future of Labubu dolls looks incredibly promising. From new international markets to next-generation toy innovations, Pop Mart is crafting a bold new chapter for Labubu in both retail and pop culture.
Pop Mart’s journey toward internationalization has gained serious momentum in recent years. Originally rooted in China, the company has successfully extended its footprint into Western markets by opening flagship stores in major global cities such as Los Angeles, Paris, and London. These locations are not just retail outlets; they are immersive brand experiences that introduce new audiences to Pop Mart’s world of collectible art toys. In Los Angeles, for instance, stores in high-traffic locations like Century City have attracted both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers. Similarly, pop-up exhibitions in Paris and London have created significant buzz among European design and lifestyle communities. According to Pop Mart’s 2024 financial report, international markets now account for more than 10% of the company’s total revenue, a substantial leap from just 3% in 2021. This figure is expected to continue rising as the company strengthens its overseas presence through both physical stores and online platforms.
The localization strategy plays a vital role in Pop Mart’s global growth. While the core appeal of Labubu remains universal, its blend of mischief, innocence, and artistry, the company is tailoring its marketing strategies to resonate with regional audiences. In Western markets, this includes collaborating with local influencers, launching culturally relevant campaigns, and ensuring that in-store experiences align with local consumer behavior and aesthetic preferences. However, even as Pop Mart adapts to new markets, it maintains the distinct artistic identity of its characters like Labubu, which is key to its authenticity and success.
A critical element of sustaining Labubu’s momentum lies in the steady rollout of innovative new toy collections. Pop Mart has proven adept at keeping its offerings fresh and exciting, and Labubu continues to be at the center of that creative energy. Upcoming Labubu releases promise to push the boundaries of toy design. Among the most anticipated is a futuristic sci-fi series that reimagines Labubu in robotic armor and neon finishes, tapping into cyberpunk aesthetics and tech-forward narratives. Another forthcoming collection draws inspiration from world folklore, introducing Labubu in guises influenced by Eastern mythology, Nordic legends, and other cultural traditions, blending storytelling with visual design in a uniquely captivating way.
In a bold leap toward digital engagement, Pop Mart is also exploring augmented reality (AR) technology for future Labubu dolls. These AR-enabled figures will allow fans to interact with Labubu through smartphone apps, unlocking virtual environments, animations, and character-driven experiences. This kind of digital interactivity adds an entirely new dimension to collecting, transforming Labubu from a static figure into a hybrid of physical art and digital companion. Currently, Pop Mart releases at least four Labubu series per year, a frequency that maintains a consistent buzz in the collector community and supports strong demand in both primary and secondary markets.
Underlying all of these creative efforts is a comprehensive strategy to scale Pop Mart’s presence on a global level. With the company now publicly traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange stock code: 9992.HK, its resources for research, development, and market expansion have significantly increased. Strategic partnerships with international retail giants like Target in the United States, Urban Outfitters, and Selfridges in the UK are already in motion. These collaborations are designed to make Pop Mart products, including Labubu dolls, more accessible to mainstream consumers while preserving the brand’s artistic appeal.
In addition to retail distribution, Pop Mart is investing heavily in immersive brand experiences to deepen consumer engagement. Labubu-themed pop-up cafés, for example, offer fans a chance to dine, shop, and take photos in spaces fully styled around the character’s aesthetic. One such pop-up café in Shanghai attracted over 100,000 visitors in its first month alone, underscoring the power of experiential branding. Traveling exhibitions, interactive vending machines (known as Robo Shops), and regionally curated art shows all serve to embed Labubu deeper into local cultures while reinforcing its identity as both collectible and cultural statement.
Pop Mart’s financial outlook further supports the optimism surrounding Labubu’s future. The company reported $680 million USD in total revenue for 2023, marking a 24% year-over-year increase. With the global designer toy market projected to reach $59.3 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%, Pop Mart is well-positioned to capture a significant share of that market, anchored by flagship characters like Labubu. Company projections suggest that international sales could represent up to 30% of total revenue by 2027, demonstrating just how central global scaling has become to Pop Mart’s vision.