Pop Mart's Labubu craze hits Milan, new stores and Design Week show planned

Pop Mart, the Chinese toy retailer founded by Wang Ning, opened its first Italian store in Milan last July at Corso Buenos Aires 3, and plans three more outlets in Bologna, Florence, and Rome within months. The store sells collectible plastic figurines in blind boxes, phone cases, bags, and keychains. Globally, Pop Mart operates over 500 stores, with 12 permanent and pop-up locations in Europe. Eva Zhao, the group's marketing director, stated that the Italian market is a key focus. The Milan store is mobbed by customers of all ages from across Italy, driven by the viral popularity of Labubu—"cute but creepy" monsters designed by Chinese artist Dabao. Their appeal is amplified by social media and celebrity endorsement from Black Pink's Lisa, who sparked a trend of personalizing accessories. During Milan Design Week 2025, from April 7 to 13, 10 AM to 7:30 PM, Pop Mart Italy will host a brand exhibition at Via Paolo Sarpi 8, showcasing all limited-edition MEGA COLLECTION items available in Italy. The MEGA COLLECTION results from collaborations with cultural institutions, museums, contemporary artists, and artisans.