Pop Mart just signed a lease for a 7,000-square-foot flagship in Times Square — their largest U.S. retail investment to date. Expected to open late 2026, this store will be more than double the size of the current NYC location. Here is what we know.
What We Know
- Size: 7,000 sq ft — more than double the current 3,000 sq ft NYC store
- Location: Times Square, the highest-foot-traffic retail zone in the U.S.
- Opening: Late 2026 (exact date TBD)
- Investment: Estimated $5-8 million buildout (Times Square rents average $2,000/sq ft/year)
Why Times Square
Times Square is not about local customers — it is about global brand awareness. 50 million tourists visit annually. A flagship here puts Pop Mart alongside Nike, M&M's World, and Disney. Every tourist photo with a Pop Mart bag is free marketing across 100+ countries.
The current NYC store already generates some of the highest per-square-foot revenue in Pop Mart's global network. Doubling the space means doubling the product range, adding exclusive experiences, and creating a destination that justifies a special trip.
What to Expect
Based on Pop Mart's Shanghai and Seoul flagships, the Times Square store will likely include:
- Full catalog of all active series (200+ SKUs)
- NYC-exclusive colorways and designs
- Massive Robo Shop vending wall (50+ machines)
- Interactive photo zones and AR experiences
- Artist collaboration space for limited drops
- Trading corner for collectors to swap figures
Impact on the Market
A Times Square flagship legitimizes designer toys as mainstream retail. It signals to other mall operators that blind box stores can anchor premium locations. Expect accelerated U.S. expansion from Pop Mart and competitors throughout 2027.
Can't wait for the flagship? Browse collectibles now at Labubu Box.