Global designer toy brand POP MART is strengthening its footprint in the Midwest with the grand opening of its first permanent store in Illinois at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago. Following the success of its pop-up at The Shops at North Bridge, this move signals the company’s commitment to engaging with Chicago’s growing collector community.
“Chicago is a vibrant hub of art, culture, and retail, making it a perfect fit for POP MART’s expansion,” said Larry Lu, head of POP MART North America. “We’ve seen a strong, enthusiastic collector community at The Shops at North Bridge pop-up location, and establishing a permanent store here allows us to better engage with fans and introduce our unique brand of designer toys to a broader audience.”
The new location, opened on Jan. 18, features sought-after collectibles, including the Mega Space Molly 400 percent Rick and Morty edition, limited Crybaby the Cracked Peanut figure, and selections from the popular The Monsters series. To celebrate its opening, the store will offer exclusive giveaways, such as a Dimoo Woven Bag for purchases over $59 and The Monsters Magnet Bottle Opener for those spending over $99.
Lu said the decision to establish a long-term presence in Chicago was fueled by the overwhelming response to the company’s pop-up store. “The pop-up proved a strong demand for POP MART products, and the strong sales figures, coupled with the valuable customer interactions, directly influenced our decision to open a permanent store at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago,” he said.
POP MART’s presence in North America has grown significantly, with 20 new stores opening in just over a year. Lu acknowledges that rapid expansion comes with challenges. “One of the key challenges is ensuring consistent brand experience and product availability across all locations while adapting to the nuances of different markets,” he said. “Opportunities lie in building brand awareness, reaching new customers, and fostering a stronger sense of community among collectors.”
A major draw for collectors has been The Monsters series, particularly Labubu plush dolls.
“The characters are designed with simple yet expressive features, making them instantly lovable and relatable,” Lu said. “Additionally, Labubu’s versatility allows for endless possibilities in terms of variations and collaborations, making her relatable to a broad audience. We’re tapping into this momentum by launching new Labubu collections in exciting new designs and collaborating with various artists to keep things fresh and innovative.”
POP MART’s success in the U.S. market is reflected in a 378 percent revenue increase, driven by the rising popularity of collectible toys and the thrill of the blind box format. “Blind boxes create an element of surprise and delight, making unboxing its own experience,” Lu said. “For ‘kidults,’ it’s a way to reconnect with their inner child while also appreciating the artistry and collectibility of the toys.”
Beyond retail, POP MART engages with its community through social media, livestream shopping, and events. While specific Chicago events have not yet been announced, Lu hinted at upcoming activations.
“We love connecting with our fans in unique, meaningful ways,” he said. “While we can’t share all the details yet, we’re constantly exploring exciting opportunities to bring our fans together. Whether through special events, artist meet and greets, or interactive experiences. We encourage fans to keep an eye on our channels for updates!”
With more than 450 stores worldwide, POP MART is far from slowing down. “Our next major milestones include expanding our U.S. footprint, strengthening our brand presence in key markets nationwide, and further developing our IP portfolio and product offerings,” Lu said. The company’s expansion plans for 2025 will focus on the East Coast and Midwest, with potential flagships in key urban locations.
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