Pop Mart, the designer toy brand behind beloved characters like Labubu, Molly, Skullpanda, and Hirono, officially debuted in the Philippines with a pop-up store at SM Mall of Asia. The first pop-up opened on November 2, 2024, at Level 2 of the North Entertainment Mall and was scheduled to run for three months, giving fans a full holiday season to explore the space until January 26, 2025. This launch marked the brand’s first official pop-up in the country and quickly turned into a must-visit stop for collectors in Metro Manila.
From the start, the SM Mall of Asia pop-up tapped into strong local interest in blind box collectibles. Shoppers lined up to see in-demand series on Philippine shelves, including Labubu by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, as well as Molly, Hirono, Crybaby, and other bestsellers that previously required overseas orders or resellers. For many Filipino fans, being able to walk into a physical Pop Mart space—rather than relying on “pasabuys” or worrying about counterfeit items—made collecting feel more accessible and secure.
Inside the MOA pop-up, visitors stepped into a compact but visually packed space designed for both shopping and discovery. Walls and displays were lined with rows of blind boxes, box sets, and themed series, inviting guests to pick, unbox, and trade with friends on the spot. While specific installations change over time, the store format consistently puts fan-favorite characters front and center, making it easy for newcomers to understand the appeal and for long-time collectors to hunt for new pulls or missing pieces in a series.
As excitement around the MOA pop-up grew, Pop Mart began rolling out more locations in the Philippines. The brand confirmed a second pop-up at SM Makati, located at the Third Floor Concourse, which opened on February 14, 2025, in time for Valentine’s Day and ran with a special Crybaby-themed setup through April 30, 2025. This expansion signaled that the strong response at SM Mall of Asia was not a one-time event, but part of a growing, sustained interest in art toys among Filipino shoppers.
Pop Mart’s footprint has since widened beyond temporary pop-ups to permanent retail presence. After the initial launches, the company introduced full stores in major Metro Manila malls, including its first permanent branch at SM Megamall, followed by additional locations that cater to different parts of the city. On February 13, 2026, Pop Mart officially opened its third physical store at Level 3, The Block, SM North EDSA, bringing the brand closer to fans in the north of Metro Manila and tying in with themed releases like Twinkle Twinkle. These openings reflect the brand’s long-term commitment to the Philippine market and position the country as a key hub in its Southeast Asia expansion.
For Filipino collectors, Pop Mart’s arrival changes how they discover and enjoy designer toys. The blind box format turns every purchase into a small moment of suspense and surprise, whether you are chasing a specific figure or simply curious about a new line. Having official stores and pop-ups also means better access to current releases, clearer information on stock, and more transparent pricing compared to purely online or overseas channels, which helps build trust and encourages new fans to join the hobby.
Fans who want the latest details on restocks, store hours, and new series launches—especially for highly sought-after figures like early Labubu variants—are encouraged to follow Pop Mart Philippines’ official social media and check the brand’s Philippine store list page. These channels typically share updates on upcoming pop-ups, themed installations, and queueing guidelines, which can be crucial when popular collections or limited-run collaborations arrive in Metro Manila.
If you are planning your next mall trip and curious about the designer toy craze, visiting a Pop Mart location in SM Mall of Asia, SM Makati, SM Megamall, or SM North EDSA offers an easy way to see what the buzz is about. From casual shoppers to serious collectors, the brand’s mix of art, playfulness, and surprise fits well with Manila’s mall culture and gives local fans a more direct connection to the global Pop Mart community.
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