If there’s one thing that wasn’t on my bingo card for 2025, it’s that little fluffy monster babies would be the next hot item to carry around on your bag and collect in your house. But I’ve got egg on my face, because Labubus are here to stay. The main retailer for these viral bag charms is the vibrant, often chaotic Pop Mart, and now Manchester is gaining one more as Pop Mart is officially coming to the Trafford Centre.
Boarding has popped up in the main Trafford Centre concourse, hinting to the upcoming opening, and now Pop Mart has been confirmed for a summer 2025 opening.
Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said: “We can confirm that Pop Mart will be coming to Trafford Centre this summer. The arrival of Pop Mart is a fantastic addition to our retail offering at the centre and reflects our commitment to bring popular, in-demand brands to Trafford Centre.”
Pop Mart has recently hit the headlines as the Chinese retailer was forced to halt the sale of Labubu bag charms in its physical stores due to health and safety concerns for customers. It turns out that Labubus have been so viral that chaotic crowds lined up at Pop Mart doors – and down the street, around the building, even fighting each other – every time there was a restock, leading to concerns… but as the brand is working on a solution, hopefully Labubus will be back on the shelves when Pop Mart Trafford Centre opens this summer.
Labubus usually retail for around £17.50 (with limited edition figures costing much more), and come in ‘blind boxes‘ like many other toys at Pop Mart. The blind box concept bring another exciting dimension to the purchase, as customers never know which one they are going to get – it’s a cute toy and a delayed surprise all in one.
Of course, it’s not just Labubus you can get your hands on at Pop Mart; other adorable companions like Crybaby plush figures, exclusive Dimoo World X Dinsey collaboration figures, plus plenty of accessories to match like phone cases, bags and fridge magnets, make Pop Mart the perfect place for gifting – even if it’s just for yourself!
Pop Mart will join fellow cutesy additions to the Trafford Centre, including the Jellycat General Store in Selfridges and Trafford Palazzo’s LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, making it your one-stop-shop for all things downright adorable.
Pop Mart Trafford Centre will be the second Manchester store, joining the existing Pop Mart at 130 Market Street.