Pop Mart strives to become a global IP powerhouse

Pop Mart, the Chinese toy company behind the viral Labubu character, is working to secure its future as the initial hype begins to fade. Labubu once drove huge demand, with long queues and soaring resale prices, but its popularity is no longer at its peak. Despite this, the character still accounts for a large portion of the company’s sales, highlighting Pop Mart’s reliance on a single success.

To address this, the company is developing new figures such as Twinkle Twinkle and Skullpanda, aiming to recreate the excitement that made Labubu so successful. Some of these newer products have already attracted strong interest, with certain releases selling out quickly.

Pop Mart’s broader goal is to evolve into a global entertainment brand by building a diverse range of popular characters. However, it remains uncertain whether the company can consistently produce new hits or if its long-term success will continue to depend mainly on Labubu.

Source: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/03/16/companies/labubu-mania-pop-mart-toys/