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Pop Mart's Disney-Style Expansion: Aiming for Multiple Blockbuster Characters

Pop Mart is betting on a diverse portfolio of enduring franchises. Can it replicate Labubu's success and reduce its dependence on a single character?

In the image we can see there are many toys of different colors and sizes.
In the image we can see there are many toys of different colors and sizes.

Pop Mart's Disney-Style Expansion: Aiming for Multiple Blockbuster Characters

Pop Mart, the Chinese art toy giant, is expanding its empire with a Disney-style strategy. The company aims to develop multiple long-term intellectual properties, following the success of its blockbuster character, Labubu.

Pop Mart's CEO, Wang Ning, has steered the company's growth over the past decade. His strategic decisions, such as focusing on characters appealing to young women and employing a 'blind box' retail strategy, have contributed to its success. The company's goal is to create a portfolio of five to ten enduring franchises, similar to Labubu, through better products, collaborations, content, theme parks, and immersive experiences.

Pop Mart's success has fueled investment in China's art toy market, which is expected to reach over 120 billion yuan ($16.85 billion) this year, accounting for over 35% of the global market. The company's shares have surged almost 200% this year, making it worth more than Hasbro, Mattel, and Sanrio combined. However, Labubu's dominance, contributing almost 35% of Pop Mart's first-half revenue, raises questions about the company's dependence on this single character.

Pop Mart's ambitious expansion plans are set to reshape the art toy industry. By learning from Disney's success and focusing on long-term intellectual properties, Pop Mart aims to create a diverse portfolio of enduring franchises, ensuring its continued growth and success.

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