Kristina Roberts
“Dreams start small, but they can grow into something much bigger.” These words seem to reflect the journey of Pop Mart, a Chinese toy company that has taken the world by surprise with its unusual yet lovable characters. Among all of its creations, one toy stands out the most — Labubu, the “ugly-cute” creature with a mischievous grin that has won the hearts of millions worldwide.
On Wednesday, Pop Mart’s founder and chief executive officer, Wang Ning, shared exciting news. He explained that the company’s earnings were moving quickly toward their target of 20 billion yuan, which is around $2.78 billion. But what caught everyone’s attention was his confidence about the future. Wang said, “30 billion ($4.18 billion) this year should also be quite easy.” This strong statement made many people realize just how far the company has come and how much potential it still has.
Wang Ning started Pop Mart in 2010 with the dream of making collectible toys more popular and fun. At first, only a small group of toy lovers knew about the company. But now, thanks to the rise of blind box toys and the creativity of artists, Pop Mart has turned into a global name. Blind box toys are sold in closed packages, meaning buyers don’t know exactly which toy they are getting until they open it. This surprise element has created excitement and curiosity among fans, making these toys even more special.
The company’s growth story recently reached a new high when Pop Mart reported record half-year results. Its net profit increased by almost 400% compared to the past, which shows just how popular its toys have become. Wang explained that a big reason behind this growth was the rise in overseas sales. While China still remains a very strong market, countries in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific are quickly catching up. In fact, Wang said that the combined sales from North America and Asia Pacific this year would equal the sales in China in 2024. This shows that Pop Mart’s international journey is only getting started.
“ I think for overseas markets we’re still very positive, and we also believe there’s still very broad space for growth,” Wang shared. His words highlight how much the company believes in its global expansion plans. The company is not only looking at the United States but also at new and emerging markets in places like the Middle East, Central Europe, and Central and South America. These areas, which are full of young people eager to try new trends, could open fresh opportunities for the brand.
Currently, Pop Mart has about 40 stores in the United States, and Wang revealed that this number will grow quickly. Over the next year or two, the company plans a “relatively rapid store opening” phase. By the end of this year alone, 10 more stores are expected to launch. For fans in the U.S., this means they will soon find Pop Mart stores in more cities, making it easier to buy their favorite characters.
Among all the toys Pop Mart has created, Labubu has become a superstar. Designed by artist Kasing Lung, Labubu belongs to the “Monsters” series. With its sharp teeth and quirky charm, it may not look traditionally cute, but that is exactly why people love it. Even global celebrities like Rihanna and David Beckham have been seen with Labubu figures, which has made the toy even more desirable. For many fans, having Labubu is not just about owning a toy — it feels like having a small piece of art and personality.
So far, Labubu has been especially popular as a bag charm, hanging from purses and backpacks around the world. But Pop Mart is now taking this popularity one step further. The company announced that a mini version of Labubu will soon be released that can be attached to mobile phones. This idea connects the toy to everyday life even more, since people carry their phones everywhere. It is another smart move by Pop Mart to make its toys part of daily habits.
In terms of numbers, the “Monsters” series has been a massive success. During the first half of the year alone, it earned 4.81 billion yuan, which equals around $669.88 million. This made up about 34.7% of Pop Mart’s total revenue. And Labubu is not the only star. Other series like “Molly” and “Crybaby” have also earned more than 1 billion yuan each, showing that the company has multiple strong products keeping it ahead in the industry.
The story of Pop Mart is inspiring because it shows how a simple idea — selling mystery toys in blind boxes — can grow into a global business. It also highlights the power of creativity and art. Each toy series is developed in collaboration with different artists, giving the toys a unique and authentic touch. This connection between art and business is what makes Pop Mart stand out from other toy companies.
But success does not just happen overnight. Pop Mart has carefully built its image, expanded into new countries, and listened to the needs of its fans. The fact that its profits are growing so quickly proves that people are not just buying toys — they are buying into an experience, a culture, and even a sense of belonging to a larger community of fans.
Wang Ning’s words carry both confidence and ambition. By aiming for over $4 billion in revenue this year, Pop Mart is not only setting high goals but also showing its belief in the love people have for its characters. The upcoming store openings, new toy designs, and creative product launches all point to an exciting future for the company.
In the end, Pop Mart is more than just a toy company. It represents imagination, joy, and the idea that something unusual — like a toothy toy monster — can bring people together across cultures. The journey of Labubu and its friends has just begun, and if Wang Ning’s predictions are correct, the world will be seeing a lot more of them in the years to come.
“30 billion ($4.18 billion) this year should also be quite easy.” With such confidence, Pop Mart’s future looks just as bright and colorful as the toys it creates.
