Labubu-Maker Pop Mart Taps London for Europe Expansion
Synopsis
Labubu-maker Pop Mart has selected London as the location for its European headquarters as it expands its international footprint. The Chinese collectibles company plans to use the UK base to oversee operations, partnerships, and market development across Europe. The move comes as Pop Mart increases its reliance on overseas markets amid softer domestic demand. The London hub is expected to support regional coordination as the company continues opening stores and strengthening distribution across key European markets.
Labubu-maker Pop Mart has selected London as the location for its European headquarters, as the Chinese collectibles company steps up its international expansion. The move, announced on January 30, 2026, is intended to support Pop Mart’s growing presence across Europe and strengthen its overseas business as it looks beyond its domestic market.
Pop Mart said the London hub will serve as the centre for its European operations, overseeing regional strategy, partnerships, and market development. The company already operates retail outlets and vending machines in several European cities, and the new base is expected to improve coordination across the region.
London was chosen for its position as a global business centre and its access to creative and retail markets, according to people familiar with the company’s plans. Pop Mart did not disclose the scale of investment or staffing plans for the new headquarters.
Europe a Key Growth Market
The expansion comes as Pop Mart increasingly relies on overseas markets to drive growth. Slower consumer spending in China has prompted the company to focus on international sales, particularly in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
Europe has become an important market for designer toys and collectibles, with demand supported by collaborations between artists and consumer brands. Pop Mart’s London base is expected to help manage distribution and retail expansion across the region.
A spokesperson for Pop Mart said the company sees long-term opportunities in Europe and believes London offers a suitable platform to support regional operations. The spokesperson added that the company plans to continue investing in overseas markets.
The announcement follows recent efforts by the UK government to attract foreign investment. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited China earlier this year as part of broader trade discussions, during which creative industries and consumer brands were highlighted as areas for potential cooperation.
Founded in 2010, Pop Mart has built its business around collectible figurines sold through a blind-box format. The company works with designers to create limited-edition characters, including Labubu, which has gained recognition among collectors outside China.
Pop Mart has expanded steadily over the past few years, opening stores in Asia, North America, and Europe as it builds a global footprint.
Pop Mart is expected to begin establishing its London headquarters later in 2026. The company plans to continue expanding its European retail network and strengthening its presence in international markets.
Key Highlights
- Labubu-maker Pop Mart will establish its European headquarters in London
- The move supports Pop Mart’s push to grow outside China
- Europe is a key focus for the company’s international strategy
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Pooja Malik is a business journalist with over six years of experience covering startups, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. She has previously worked with leading media platforms such as YourStory Media and BW BusinessWorld, where she reported on business, policy, and market developments. Currently, she serves as Editor at The Inspirepreneur Magazine, where she writes and edits stories across business, lifestyle, and travel, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and reader relevance.
