Pop Mart Establishes U.S. Base in Culver City as Labubu Expands into American Collector Scene
Pop Mart, the company behind Labubu and a suite of sought-after designer collectibles, has launched its United States headquarters in Culver City, California. The move signals a deliberate push into North America as the brand seeks deeper engagement with U.S. collectors, creators, and retail partners. Situated within Los Angeles’ creative corridor, the new office will centralize product design, marketing, and fulfillment operations to better serve American audiences.
Why Culver City Was Chosen
Culver City offers a strategic mix of creative talent and logistics infrastructure that aligns with Pop Mart’s ambitions. The neighborhood sits amid studios, animation houses, and boutique agencies—an ecosystem that encourages cross-disciplinary partnerships. Proximity to major ports and airports also makes it practical for streamlined distribution across the United States.
- Access to entertainment and design professionals helps accelerate collaborations that translate into culturally resonant releases.
- Nearby fulfillment routes and transport links shorten lead times for U.S. customers compared with shipping from overseas.
- Local arts communities provide fertile ground for testing new character concepts and event formats.
What the New U.S. Hub Will Do
The Culver City facility is designed to operate as more than an administrative office. It will contain creative studios for joint design work, a U.S.-based distribution node to improve delivery speed, and spaces for fan-facing activations—pop-up shows, launch parties, and collector gatherings.
- Design labs: On-site teams and visiting artists can iterate on figures and packaging with faster feedback loops.
- Fulfillment and returns center: A dedicated logistics footprint will reduce shipping costs and simplify customer service for American consumers.
- Event and retail areas: Temporary retail activations and community events will foster direct engagement with collectors.
Market Context, Opportunities, and Trends
The U.S. collector and designer-toy scene has matured into a vibrant niche within the broader toy market, driven by social-media-savvy communities, limited-edition drops, and a flourishing secondary market. Industry observers note that premium and collectible segments have outpaced overall toy growth in recent cycles, as consumers prioritize unique, artist-driven items and experiential purchases.
Key growth drivers relevant to Pop Mart include:
- Community-led demand: Online forums, Discord groups, and Instagram collectives amplify hype around new releases.
- Experience-first retail: Fans increasingly value in-person events and interactive launches over conventional shelf exposure.
- Collaborations as currency: Limited runs co-created with local artists or cultural brands often command outsized attention and resale value.
Obstacles and Strategic Responses
Breaking into the U.S. market brings both opportunity and complexity. Established domestic brands and entrenched collector communities create a competitive landscape. Additionally, cultural nuance, retail expectations, and supply-chain volatility must be managed carefully.
Effective countermeasures Pop Mart can employ include:
- Localized creative partnerships: Co-branded figures with Los Angeles-based illustrators or gallery artists to build authenticity.
- Tiered product strategies: Offering a mix of accessible price-point items and high-end limited editions to broaden appeal.
- Supply resilience: Diversifying manufacturing partners and holding strategic inventories domestically to mitigate disruptions.
- Data-driven marketing: Using U.S. customer insights to tailor storytelling, packaging, and launch cadence.
Partnership Opportunities in Los Angeles
Los Angeles provides many practical partnership avenues that can accelerate awareness and sales. Pop Mart can leverage local institutions and events to introduce Labubu and other IP to collectors and mainstream audiences alike.
- DesignerCon and conventions: Participating in regional conventions or hosting exclusive events at comic and pop-culture gatherings to reach dedicated collectors.
- Boutique retail collaborations: Limited-run releases via specialty toy stores, gallery shops, or concept stores in neighborhoods like Melrose or the Arts District.
- Studio and gallery tie-ins: One-off exhibitions or gallery shows that fuse sculpture, installation, and product drops—similar to how streetwear brands stage seasonal events to create urgency.
- Influencer-led activations: Working with micro- and macro-influencers who have an engaged collector audience to create authentic endorsements.
Early Playbook and Practical Next Steps
To capitalize on its new footprint, Pop Mart may roll out a phased approach:
- Launch an LA-exclusive Labubu series or a “Culver City” variant to generate local buzz.
- Host a sequence of pop-ups and fan events that blend product drops with artist talks and customization stations.
- Establish a U.S. pre-order cadence and loyalty program to capture collector intent and reduce inventory risk.
- Form short-term partnerships with retailers and galleries to test demand before wider retail placements.
Conclusion — What This Means for Collectors and the Brand
Opening a U.S. headquarters in Culver City positions Pop Mart to be a more immediate and culturally attuned player in the American collectible landscape. By combining local creative collaboration, improved logistics, and experience-led retail, the company can better meet collector expectations and accelerate brand affinity. For Labubu fans and the broader designer-toy community, the new hub promises more timely releases, localized content, and in-person moments that help deepen engagement.
