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Pop Mart Announces Trafford Centre Store Amid UK Labubu Craze

The Chinese retailer halts in-store Labubu sales to address safety issues as demand for the viral collectibles surges.

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Overview

  • Pop Mart UK will open its first Trafford Centre store in summer 2025, marking further retail expansion in the UK.
  • In-store and RoboShop sales of Labubu plush toys have been temporarily paused to manage safety concerns caused by overwhelming queues.
  • Labubu dolls, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, have become viral collectibles, with demand fueled by celebrity endorsements and social media buzz.
  • Google searches for 'Labubu doll' and 'Labubu Keychain' reached 2.1 million in the past month, highlighting their breakout popularity.
  • Recent incidents, including a dispute involving Love Island star Mal Nicol over hoarded stock, underscore the frenzy surrounding these sought-after toys.