Labubu territory grows as Pop Mart names UK its European HQ following PM visit to China

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Pop Mart, a popular Chinese toy company, is significantly expanding into the UK, making it their central hub for European operations. This move will establish permanent brick-and-mortar stores for their famous Labubu character throughout the region.

After a trade visit to China by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in late January 2026, Pop Mart announced plans to open seven new stores in the UK this year. The company will also make London its base for managing operations across Europe.

Labubu is now appearing in physical stores across the UK, marking a new step for the popular toy after gaining a huge following online over the past year and a half. Demand has been so high that some stores actually stopped in-store sales temporarily because of long lines and safety worries, which unexpectedly boosted the brand’s popularity by making it harder to get.

These dedicated shops are created to meet the high demand for Labubu and establish it as a regularly available product, instead of just a limited-time release.

Labubu to expand territory in UK

Pop Mart has announced plans for several new stores. A large flagship location is coming to Oxford Street in London, placing its popular Labubu figures among the city’s busiest shops. Beyond London, the company will open its first store in Wales, at the St David’s shopping center in Cardiff, with a space measuring 2,529 square feet.

A city-centre outlet in Birmingham has also been confirmed as part of the initial rollout.

While visiting China, Keir Starmer received a Labubu doll, and the moment quickly went viral online. He playfully commented that his children wouldn’t keep it for long, highlighting just how popular the character has become in the UK.

I keep seeing this clip of Keir Starmer saying his new Labubu toy won’t survive long because his kids are teenagers. I’m really curious what he means by that!

— maoskyist 🇵🇸 (@Maoskyist) January 30, 2026

Pop Mart is focusing on expanding its business. As spending in China slows down, the company plans to use the UK as a base to launch around 20 new stores throughout Europe by 2026.

I’m so excited to see Labubu setting up shop in London! It really feels like they’re in it for the long haul, and it’s amazing to see something that started online now having a real, physical presence. This London headquarters feels like the perfect launchpad for everything they have planned next – it’s a really stable foundation for growth, and I can’t wait to see what happens!

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2026-01-31 20:18