Chinese Collectibles Giant Targets Broadway Retail Corridor
Pop Mart, the fast-growing Chinese toy and collectibles brand known for its blind-box designer figures, has signed a lease for a 7,000-square-foot flagship store in New York City’s Times Square, according to the New York Post.
The store is expected to open in late 2026, marking the brand’s largest U.S. retail investment to date.
Located on Broadway, the new space places Pop Mart at the heart of one of the most trafficked retail zones in the country, offering immediate visibility to both domestic and international consumers.
Global Brand, Local Strategy
Pop Mart’s U.S. flagship is part of a broader international expansion strategy aimed at capitalizing on the global rise in demand for designer toys and collectibles, particularly among Gen Z and millennial shoppers. The Times Square location follows store openings in Los Angeles and other global capitals like Tokyo, Seoul and London.
The brand is best known for its partnerships with popular artists and character IPs, including Labubu, Molly and Skullpanda, offering limited-edition figures often sold in randomized boxes, creating both scarcity and surprise.
Retail Meets Fandom
Pop Mart’s entry into the U.S. market via a Times Square flagship highlights the growing overlap between retail, fandom culture and experiential shopping. The store is expected to go beyond traditional merchandising, likely incorporating interactive displays, artist showcases and loyalty-driven retail experiences.
As retailers in Times Square continue to adapt post-pandemic, Pop Mart joins a cohort of brands betting on high-footfall locations and immersive brand storytelling to drive engagement and growth.
