Pop Mart to Open US Headquarters for Viral Labubu Plush Toys in California

The 'ugly-cute' monster-like creatures have become a global phenomenon, prompting a US expansion for their Chinese maker.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Pop Mart, the Chinese company behind the wildly popular Labubu plush toys, is opening a 22,000-square-foot US headquarters in Culver City, California. The 'ugly-cute' monster-like creatures with sharp teeth, long ears, and fur were created by artist Kasing Lung in 2015 and have become a global phenomenon, fueled by celebrity endorsements and a 'blind box' marketing approach that keeps the specific characters a secret until opened.

Why it matters

The Labubu craze has exploded internationally, with the plush toys becoming must-have fashion accessories. Their popularity has even caught Hollywood's attention, with Sony Pictures acquiring the film rights earlier this year. The opening of a US headquarters signals Pop Mart's plans to further expand the brand's presence in the lucrative American market.

The details

The Labubu plush toys are known for their 'ugly-cute' design, featuring monster-like creatures with sharp teeth, long ears, and fur. They were first created as part of the picture book series 'The Monsters' by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and later transformed into the now-viral toys. Pop Mart, the Chinese company that produces the Labubus, is opening a 22,000-square-foot office in Culver City, California to serve as its new US headquarters.

  • Pop Mart first launched the Labubu plush toys in 2015.
  • In April 2024, the Labubu craze exploded internationally after Lisa of Blackpink was spotted with a Labubu keychain.
  • Earlier this year, Sony Pictures acquired the film rights to Labubu.

The players

Kasing Lung

The Hong Kong artist who created the 'The Monsters' picture book series, which the Labubu plush toys are based on.

Pop Mart

The Chinese company that produces the Labubu plush toys and is opening a new US headquarters in Culver City, California.

Lisa

A member of the K-pop group Blackpink, who was spotted with a Labubu keychain in April 2024, helping to fuel the global craze for the plush toys.

Sony Pictures

The film studio that acquired the rights to Labubu earlier this year, signaling the plush toys' crossover from viral collectibles to mainstream entertainment.

Emily Brough

The head of licensing for Pop Mart North America, who stated that the Labubu monsters are intended to be 'well-intentioned' and 'never malicious.'

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What they’re saying

“Despite their sharp teeth, long ears, and slightly sinister looks, the monsters are intended to be 'well-intentioned' and 'never malicious,'”

— Emily Brough, head of licensing for Pop Mart North America (KTLA)

What’s next

With the opening of the new US headquarters, Pop Mart is expected to ramp up its marketing and distribution efforts for the Labubu plush toys in the American market, capitalizing on the brand's growing popularity and the recent acquisition of the film rights by Sony Pictures.

The takeaway

The Labubu phenomenon highlights the power of viral collectibles and the potential for niche products to crossover into mainstream entertainment. The opening of a US headquarters for Pop Mart signals the company's ambitions to further expand the Labubu brand in the lucrative American market, where the 'ugly-cute' plush toys have already gained a devoted following.