Despite limited visibility in some retail spaces, the Chinese toy brand Pop Mart is finding a dedicated following among American university students.
Key facts
- •Pop Mart operates "Robo Shop" vending machines in US locations, including the Stoneridge Shopping Centre in Pleasanton, California.
- •Students at Cornell University formed an Art and Business Club specifically to pursue collaboration opportunities with Pop Mart.
- •The brand is noted for its "blind box" sales strategy, which involves selling mystery items.
- •Pop Mart’s product lineup includes viral items such as Labubu figurines and "Cry Me an Ocean" plush toys.
- •Madeline Wang, a second-year student at Cornell, identified the brand's aesthetics as a key driver of its popularity among Gen-Z Americans.
Chinese toy brand Pop Mart is experiencing varying levels of engagement across the United States. While a vending machine in a Pleasanton, California, shopping center saw little interest from passers-by, the brand has found significant popularity among students at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
Student Interest and Brand Appeal
At Cornell University, student enthusiasm for Pop Mart has led to the formation of an Art and Business Club. According to club founder Madeline Wang, students are eager to collaborate with the brand, which is known for its "blind box" sales strategy and merchandise aesthetics.
Market Presence and Reception
Pop Mart’s "Robo Shop" vending machines, which offer products like the "Cry Me an Ocean" plush toys, have faced challenges in gaining attention in some retail environments. While some American consumers are familiar with the brand’s viral Labubu figurines, Madeline Wang noted that many people in the United States may not be fans of the company's specific designs.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by SCMP Business.
