Pop Mart to Open UK Headquarters in London as Labubu Dolls Go Global
Chinese toy giant Pop Mart, best known for its viral Labubu dolls, has chosen London as the location for its new regional headquarters and plans to open seven additional stores across the UK.
The announcement was made during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official visit to China, aimed at boosting economic growth through trade and investment ties. Starmer’s office said the trip has already secured export deals worth £2.2 bn and market access valued at £2.3 bn over the next five years.
Pop Mart’s Labubu dolls, instantly recognisable for their toothy grin and pointy ears, have become global collector’s items after going viral on social media around 18 months ago, driving strong international demand.
Under the expansion plan, Pop Mart will open new UK stores in Birmingham, Cardiff and a flagship location on Oxford Street in London, creating more than 150 jobs. The company also intends to launch 20 additional outlets across Europe.
«London stands at the heart of the global creative ecosystem, and we are thrilled to plant our European roots here,» said Pop Mart founder and CEO Grant Wang.
The move reflects a broader push by Chinese consumer brands to expand overseas as domestic spending slows. During the same visit, Starmer’s office confirmed fresh UK investments from Chinese firms including energy storage group HiTHIUM and life sciences company Asymchem, adding hundreds more jobs to the British economy.
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