The Beijing-founded pop culture company is bringing its signature blend of designer toys, blind box retail and immersive storytelling to one of Sydney’s most high-profile lifestyle destinations—timing the launch alongside record financial growth and the continued rise of its viral Labubu character.
The opening expands POP MART's Australian footprint to approximately 14 stores across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, supported by a broader network of Robo Shops. Its Australian flagship on Pitt Street Mall in Sydney CBD is also the company's largest store in the Southern Hemisphere.
Prior to the Bondi Junction opening, POP MART launched its first airport store in Australia and New Zealand at Sydney Airport's T2 Domestic Terminal in March 2026.
Coastal culture meets collectible retail
Inspired by Bondi’s relaxed beachside identity, the store introduces a locally tailored retail concept, anchored by the CRYBABY “Cry Me an Ocean” series—an ocean-themed collection designed to reflect the suburb’s coastal energy.
The space invites customers to engage directly with POP MART’s expanding universe of characters, including MOLLY, DIMOO, SKULLPANDA, THE MONSTERS and CRYBABY, while embracing the brand’s defining blind box format, where purchases are revealed only after opening.
The experiential approach aligns with a broader shift in retail, where entertainment and discovery are increasingly central to in-store engagement.
The Bondi opening comes as POP MART rides a surge in global demand for its collectibles, particularly Labubu—a character from “The Monsters” series that has become a cultural and commercial phenomenon.
Earlier, POP MART reported its revenue rose 185 per cent in 2025 to 37.12 billion yuan (approximately US$5.38 billion), nearly tripling from the previous year. Profit attributable to shareholders climbed 308 per cent to 12.78 billion yuan.
The company’s rapid growth reflects strong international demand for its plush toys, bag charms and blind box collectibles, as it evolves from a domestic niche retailer into a globally recognised consumer brand.
POP MART has signalled further expansion beyond toys, with plans to launch new product categories including home appliances, alongside the continued development of its experiential offerings such as theme parks.
The psychology behind the craze
Much of Labubu’s success—and the broader blind box model—can be explained by consumer behaviour, according to ANZ’s behavioural science insights.
Key drivers include the bandwagon effect, where social visibility fuels demand; scarcity, particularly around rare or limited-edition figures; and the appeal of uncertainty, with the randomised nature of blind boxes creating anticipation and repeat purchases.
Additional factors such as nostalgia and the sunk cost effect further reinforce buying behaviour, turning collectibles into an ongoing engagement loop rather than a one-off purchase.
Reflected in Australian spending
The trend is also evident locally. Afterpay’s 2025 retail data identified Labubu dolls among the year’s standout purchases, alongside categories such as sneakers and travel.
The findings point to a broader shift in Australian consumer behaviour, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials, toward spending that reflects identity, community and cultural participation.
Strategic expansion in Australia
POP MART’s entry into Westfield Bondi positions the brand at the intersection of tourism, youth culture and high-traffic retail, strengthening its presence in the Australian market.
As the company continues its global expansion, the Bondi store reflects its core strategy: combining collectible culture with immersive, location-specific retail experiences designed to drive both emotional connection and repeat engagement.