The company behind the Labubu toy phenomenon is opening its first dedicated UK store in the city of Bristol, capitalising on the collectibles' explosive popularity throughout 2025.
Why Bristol Was Chosen for the Labubu Launch
The Chinese firm Pop Mart has confirmed Bristol as the location for its new British retail outlet. In a statement, the company praised the city as a major hub for "world-renowned creativity and urban art heritage."
A spokesperson elaborated, stating: "Bristol is one of the UK's most influential creative cities, home to globally recognized movements in urban art, music, and film." They drew a direct parallel between the city's spirit and the brand's ethos, citing everything from the mystery of Banksy's early works to its vibrant independent art scene.
"The city's energy mirrors Pop Mart's values in transforming everyday creativity into accessible, high-quality collectible art," the spokesperson added, concluding that Bristol embodies the "artistic discovery and playfulness" channelled into its products.
The Rise of a "Charming but Chaotic" Character
Labubu dolls, with their distinctive plush bodies and vinyl faces featuring pointy ears, oversized eyes, and a grin showing precisely nine teeth, have become a must-have item. Millions of children across the UK have been asking for them throughout 2025.
Despite its seemingly random name, the character's appeal is deeply rooted in recent history. Ashley Dudarenok, founder of China-focused research agency ChoZan, explained that Labubu first surged in popularity in late 2022 as China emerged from the pandemic.
"Post-pandemic, a lot of people in China felt that they wanted to emotionally escape," Dudarenok told the BBC. "Labubu was a very charming but chaotic character. It embodied that anti-perfectionism." This sentiment clearly resonated far beyond China, sparking a major collectible trend in the UK.
What This Means for UK Collectors
The opening of a physical Pop Mart store in Bristol provides a significant new destination for fans and collectors. Until now, acquiring the toys has relied on online channels or select retailers.
The move signals the brand's commitment to the UK market and offers a tangible space for the community of enthusiasts to engage with the product range. It also firmly plants Bristol on the map as a key location for trending pop culture and collectible art, aligning it with the brand's creative narrative.
With the store's launch, the quirky, nine-toothed grin of Labubu is set to become a permanent fixture in one of Britain's most artistic cities.
