BEIJING: Chinese plush toymaker Pop Mart International Group Ltd. reported robust revenue and profit growth, boosted by global demand for its hugely popular Labubu dolls.
Revenue increased 204% year-on-year to 13.88 billion yuan (US$1.93 billion) in the first half of 2025, according to an earnings statement Tuesday (Aug 19).
That compares with 62% growth in the same period a year ago. Net income jumped 397% to 4.57 billion yuan.
The Beijing-based company is racing ahead with its global expansion plan, leveraging the worldwide craze over Labubus - a plush toy that has turned into a pop culture phenomenon in Western markets, particularly the US.
The pointy-eared, sharp-tooth monsters’ popularity has been fueled by blind box packaging that fuels repeat purchases, social media and celebrity fans.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Wang Ning said in a July interview with Chinese media that the company’s overseas growth has been much faster than expected.
He estimated that foreign sales are likely to exceed the domestic Chinese market in 2025, and that North America sales may surpass Southeast Asia’s this year.
Pop Mart’s toys are generally priced higher - and generate bigger margins - in western markets than they do in China.
Earlier this month, Pop Mart opened a megastore in the landmark Bangkok shopping center Iconsiam.
The company said in March that it plans to open around 100 more outlets outside the mainland in 2025.
The hype around Labubu and strong growth has driven a rally in Pop Mart’s shares, which have gained 213% so far this year. - Bloomberg
