Practical Guide to Pop Mart Collecting

The first time you hold that small, sealed box, there’s a particular thrill in not knowing which character awaits inside. Pop Mart’s blind boxes have transformed simple collectibles into experiences, with LABUBU and Molly leading the charge in this miniature revolution. That initial moment of suspense—shaking the box gently, trying to guess its contents by weight or sound—culminates in the satisfying tear of plastic wrap and the reveal of a new vinyl friend.

This phenomenon extends far beyond casual toy purchases. Pop Mart International Group Limited, founded in 2010, has grown into a global entertainment company with retail locations spanning China, South Korea, Japan, and the United States. Their signature blind box model—where customers purchase sealed packages containing random figures from a series—has created an entire ecosystem of collection, trading, and community engagement. The company’s 2020 Hong Kong IPO valued it at over $7 billion, demonstrating the significant economic power of these small vinyl figures.

The Psychology Behind Blind Box Appeal

What drives collectors to repeatedly purchase these mystery packages? The answer lies in the powerful combination of variable reward systems and the human desire for completion. Each unopened box represents potential—the possibility of discovering that rare secret variant or completing a beloved series. This anticipation triggers dopamine release in the brain, creating a neurological reward cycle that makes the experience genuinely exciting.

Dr. Emily Chen, a consumer psychologist at Hong Kong University, explains: “The blind box model cleverly taps into several psychological principles. The element of surprise activates our brain’s reward centers, while the collectible aspect appeals to our innate completionist tendencies. When you add social sharing and trading to the mix, you create a deeply engaging experience that goes beyond simple product consumption.”

This psychological framework helps explain why collectors will sometimes purchase entire cases of blind boxes at once. One Shanghai-based collector, Liu Wei, describes his approach: “When the new DIMOO Ancient Mythology series launched, I bought two full cases—24 boxes—because I wanted to ensure I got the hidden version. My heart was racing as I opened each one, and when I finally found the golden DIMOO figure in the last box, the relief and excitement were overwhelming.”

The phenomenon isn’t limited to individual psychology. Group dynamics play a crucial role in sustaining collector engagement. When collectors share their unboxing experiences on social media or participate in trading communities, they reinforce the behavior through social validation. This creates a virtuous cycle where the individual pleasure of discovery combines with social recognition to create a powerful motivational force.

Understanding the Pop Mart System and Character Universe

Each series typically contains 12 regular figures plus one or two secret variants that appear roughly once per 144 boxes. The rarity system creates a natural hierarchy within collecting communities, with secret versions often trading at significant premiums. According to Pop Mart’s official disclosure, the probability of obtaining an ultra-rare “secret” figure is approximately 1/144, while “special” variants appear about 1/12 times.

The MATRYOSHKA series, for instance, features Molly dressed in Russian nesting doll costumes, while LABUBU’s Forest Concert series presents the mischievous character playing various instruments. Knowing the odds helps set realistic expectations—chasing that elusive secret version can become expensive quickly if approached without strategy.

Pop Mart’s character ecosystem has expanded dramatically since its inception. Molly, created by Hong Kong designer Kenny Wong, features a recognizable pouty expression and has become the company’s flagship character. LABUBU, designed by Korean artist Kasing Lung, presents a more mischievous alternative with its fanged smile and playful personality. The diversity of characters ensures there’s something for every taste, from the celestial themes of SKULLPANDA to the dreamlike quality of DIMOO.

Character development follows sophisticated narrative arcs that keep collectors engaged across multiple series. Molly has evolved from a simple art toy to a character with distinct personality traits and fashion sensibilities. Her various series—from Space Molly to Molly the Painter—tell an ongoing story of her adventures and interests. Similarly, LABUBU’s mischievous nature shines through whether she’s gardening in the Vegetable Friends series or performing in musical ensembles.

Developing Your Collection Approach and Strategy

Seasoned collectors often employ specific methods to build cohesive displays while managing costs. Some focus exclusively on a single character like Molly, whose changing outfits and themes create a visual timeline of releases. Others prefer completing specific series, such as the LABUBU Vegetable Friends set where the character appears as a carrot, tomato, or eggplant.

One collector I spoke with shared her system: “I allocate a monthly budget of about $50 and trade duplicates through local collector groups. This way, I gradually complete sets without overspending. Last month, I traded an extra LABUBU strawberry figure for a Molly astronaut I’d been wanting—both of us got something we needed without spending additional money.”

Trading has become an essential aspect of the Pop Mart ecosystem. Dedicated trading platforms, social media groups, and in-store trading events facilitate these exchanges. The World Health Organization has noted the mental health benefits of social connections formed through shared hobbies, and Pop Mart collecting certainly provides this community aspect.

For those seeking specific figures, weight and shake techniques can sometimes provide clues. Collectors have developed elaborate methods for identifying figures before purchase, though Pop Mart has responded by standardizing packaging and adding filler material to make identification more difficult. As one store manager explained: “We understand the desire to find specific figures, but the mystery is part of the experience. We gently discourage excessive box handling to ensure fairness for all customers.”

Advanced collectors develop relationships with store staff who can provide insights about inventory patterns and upcoming releases. Building rapport with local retailers often yields benefits beyond simple transactions—early access to limited editions, holding sought-after figures, or even participating in special store events.

Display Considerations and Creative Presentation

How you present your collection matters as much as what you collect. Clear acrylic risers create depth on shelves, while shadow boxes protect figures from dust. Some enthusiasts create miniature dioramas—a LABUBU figure perched on a tiny stack of books, or Molly positioned beside a dollhouse-scale coffee cup. These small scenes transform individual pieces into storytelling moments.

Lighting can dramatically enhance displays. LED strip lights installed inside display cases make colors pop, while strategic spotlighting can highlight favorite pieces. Temperature control is another consideration—direct sunlight can cause vinyl figures to yellow over time, so UV-protected glass or placement away from windows helps preserve their condition.

Creative displays often become conversation starters. Tokyo collector Yuki Tanaka created an entire miniature bakery display for her pastry-themed Molly collection: “Each figure represents a different baked good, so I built a tiny bakery counter with miniature pastries and a small cash register. It took months to collect all the pieces, but seeing them together in that setting brings me joy every day.”

Display innovation extends to digital spaces as well. Many collectors maintain Instagram accounts dedicated to their collections, using creative photography to showcase their figures in various settings. Some even create stop-motion animations featuring their Pop Mart characters, adding another layer of engagement to the hobby.

The Cultural and Economic Impact

Pop Mart’s influence extends beyond individual collections to broader cultural and economic spheres. The company’s collaboration with major institutions like the UNESCO demonstrates how blind box culture has entered the mainstream. Their museum partnership series features characters reimagined alongside cultural artifacts, making art history accessible to new audiences.

According to Statista, the global toys and games market is projected to reach over $400 billion by 2027, with collectibles representing one of the fastest-growing segments. Pop Mart has pioneered retail innovations like automated vending machines dedicated solely to blind boxes, making the collecting experience accessible around the clock.

The secondary market for rare figures has created unexpected economic opportunities. Limited edition collaborations with brands like Ferrari or artists like Andy Warhol (through the Warhol Foundation) can appreciate significantly in value. The most sought-after figures regularly sell for 10-20 times their original price on platforms like eBay and specialized collector markets.

Pop Mart’s economic model has inspired numerous competitors and imitators, creating an entire industry around blind box collectibles. The company’s success has demonstrated the viability of art toys as serious collectibles rather than mere children’s playthings. This shift has elevated the status of toy designers and created new career paths for artists specializing in character design.

Practical Tips for New and Experienced Collectors

Starting a collection can feel overwhelming given the hundreds of available series. Focus initially on characters or themes that genuinely appeal to you rather than trying to collect everything. Setting a monthly budget prevents overspending, while participating in trading communities helps complete sets more efficiently.

For intermediate collectors, proper storage and insurance considerations become important. Documenting your collection with photographs serves both display inspiration and insurance purposes. As collections grow in value, some collectors choose to add specific riders to their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies.

Advanced collectors often develop relationships with local store managers who can provide information about upcoming releases. Building these connections sometimes provides access to limited edition items or early release opportunities. As one longtime collector advised: “Be friendly and supportive of your local stores rather than viewing them merely as transaction points. The community aspect is what makes this hobby sustainable long-term.”

When traveling, visiting Pop Mart stores in different countries can yield exclusive regional figures not available elsewhere. The Singapore-exclusive Merlion Molly or Japan’s sakura-themed LABUBU become meaningful souvenirs that commemorate both the character and the travel experience.

Seasoned collectors recommend maintaining a collector’s journal to track purchases, trades, and wish lists. This organized approach helps prevent duplicate purchases and provides a satisfying record of collection growth over time. Digital spreadsheets or dedicated collector apps can serve this purpose effectively.

The Future of Blind Box Culture

As Pop Mart continues to expand globally, the company faces both opportunities and challenges. Environmental concerns about plastic packaging have led to initiatives like their “Green Planet” series using biodegradable materials and their packaging recycling programs. The company has committed to making all packaging sustainable by 2025, addressing one of the main criticisms of the blind box model.

Digital integration represents another frontier. Pop Mart’s app combines community features with augmented reality experiences, allowing collectors to “place” their figures in real-world environments through their phone cameras. This blending of physical and digital collecting experiences points toward where the hobby might evolve next.

The company’s expansion into entertainment media—including animated series featuring their characters—suggests a future where Pop Mart becomes a comprehensive entertainment brand rather than merely a toy company. These developments could create new dimensions of engagement for collectors, adding narrative depth to the characters they’ve come to love.

Research published in the Journal of Consumer Behaviour suggests that the psychological appeal of mystery purchases may extend beyond physical products to digital experiences. This indicates potential for growth in virtual collectibles and NFTs linked to physical Pop Mart figures, creating hybrid collecting experiences that bridge physical and digital worlds.

The true value in Pop Mart collecting emerges not from completing every series, but from the personal connections formed with these miniature characters. Whether you’re drawn to LABUBU’s playful grin or Molly’s evolving fashion sense, each box represents a moment of anticipation and discovery. The friendships formed through trading, the creativity expressed through displays, and the simple joy of holding a new figure—these intangible benefits ultimately outweigh the monetary investment for most collectors.

As the community continues to grow and evolve, one thing remains constant: that heart-fluttering moment before opening a new blind box, filled with possibility and promise. In that suspended second between not knowing and discovery, Pop Mart delivers something increasingly rare in our predictable world—genuine surprise and delight.