Mall of America to get Minnesota’s first Pop Mart store

Minnesota collectors of Labubu dolls and other designer toys will soon have a new destination at Mall of America.

Pop Mart, one of the trendiest stores in the world right now, will open its first Minnesota location this fall.

The Chinese retailer known for its blind-box figurines and cult-followed characters operates two “Robo Shop” vending machines at Rosedale Center, the first since March 2024.

Pop Mart, founded in 2010, operates more than 350 stores worldwide and has built a devoted fan base through social media-fueled unboxings of its limited-edition collectibles.

Hundreds lined up for the opening last month of its third store in Las Vegas, according to the Associated Press.

The store will sell exclusive products and feature rotating collaborations, according to a news release from Mall of America. Popular lines include Crybaby, Peach Riot and the Monsters — the latter being home to Labubu, the mischievous, “gremlin-like” stuffed toy that has gone viral and left people waiting in lines hoping to score one of their own.

Mall of America’s leasing director Ashley Hofmann said Pop Mart “brings a fresh, playful energy” to the shopping center and fits its goal of keeping the mix of stores fresh and interesting.

Pop Mart’s arrival comes amid a wave of Asian pop culture brands expanding in Minnesota. Retailers such as Miniso and Daiso have opened in the Twin Cities, catering to the growing demand for kawaii-inspired merchandise, stationery and collectibles.

Miniso, another Chinese retailer known for viral, limited-edition collaborations with brands like Disney, Pokémon and Care Bears, is rapidly expanding in the state.

It opened its first Minnesota location in St. Cloud late last year, followed by Eden Prairie in January. Its third location, announced in May, will open at Mall of America.

In July, the Bloomington megamall hosted the Twin Cities’ first Panda Fest, a traveling festival packed with retailers and food vendors celebrating all things Asian culture. Organizers said tickets sold out about a week before the festival.

The trend has been fueled in part by younger shoppers embracing Asian fashion, design and entertainment, from K-pop to bubble tea. Several Hollywood A-listers have also jumped on the Labubu craze, adorning thousand-dollar purses with the $30 tchotchke.

Despite potential for higher prices, malls across the Twin Cities have continued to bet on the long-term popularity of Asian retailers.