Pop Mart Eyes Expansion in the Philippines, Seeks Local Creative Collaboration

Manila, Philippines — Beijing-based designer toy giant Pop Mart International Group is setting its sights on the Philippines as its next key market for expansion, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced Tuesday.

Famed for its collectible characters like Labubu, Molly, Skullpanda, Dimoo, Crybaby, and Hirono, Pop Mart visited Manila on April 10 as part of a business mission aimed at exploring local opportunities and partnerships.

According to the DTI, the company expressed a keen interest in working with Filipino artists and creatives to co-develop original designs and new intellectual property (IP). "Specifically, the company conveyed a strong interest in working with Filipino creatives to develop new intellectual property and original designs," the agency said in an official statement.

During their visit, the Pop Mart delegation met with the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) and held discussions with key government bodies including the Board of Investments (BOI) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).

Pop Mart currently operates two pop-up locations in the Philippines, located in SM Makati and SM Mall of Asia, both of which have drawn significant crowds since their openings.

The move signals Pop Mart’s broader push to tap into Southeast Asia’s growing collector market, while also recognizing the Philippines as a vibrant hub of artistic talent and consumer enthusiasm for designer toys.

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