Pop Mart opens new store in San Francisco's Union Square
- Pop Mart opened a new store in Union Square, San Francisco, attracting significant crowds.
- Collectible plush dolls called Labubus, known for their unique designs, generate excitement for unboxing.
- The store's opening reflects a recovery for Union Square as businesses rebound post-pandemic.
In San Francisco, Pop Mart opened a new store in Union Square on Monday. This store specializes in the plush dolls known as Labubus, which have garnered a significant following among collectors. The soft opening attracted a large crowd eager to purchase merchandise, highlighting the demand for these quirky figurines that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Kelly Albers, an early visitor, expressed her affection for the Labubus collection, noting that these dolls often sell for thousands on the resale market. Although plush dolls are not available at the Powell Street location, customers can still order them online for in-store pickup. The popularity of Labubus stems from their unique designs, which range from quirky to somewhat intimidating. Albers, who already has several in her collection, described her purple Labubu as her favorite. The unboxing experience adds to the thrill since all boxes look identical, keeping the contents a surprise. This element of excitement and anticipation contributes to the overall appeal of Labubus, further increasing their desirability among collectors. Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of the Union Square Alliance, expressed optimism about the opening of Pop Mart, emphasizing the recovery of the area post-COVID-19. The pandemic has posed significant challenges for brick-and-mortar businesses, and the opening of new stores like Pop Mart represents a positive change and an opportunity to cater to consumer demand. Rodriguez mentioned the importance of understanding what people want in retail experiences as they strive to rejuvenate the business environment in Union Square. The resurgence of businesses in Union Square is crucial for the community and local economy. Albers, reflecting on her childhood memories, expressed hopes that more people will embrace the joy of collecting and support new ventures in the area. Her excitement for the store’s opening underscores the importance of retail diversity and how it enriches the cultural fabric of San Francisco.