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Following the recent visit of the UK Prime Minister to China, seven new stores dedicated to Labubu dolls are set to launch across the UK this year. Among these new outlets will be a flagship store on Oxford Street in London’s West End, along with additional shops opening in Cardiff and Birmingham. Beyond these initial locations, Chinese toy company Pop Mart has plans to expand further by establishing 20 more shops throughout Europe in 2026.
This expansion forms part of a broader announcement by the UK government, which highlighted a suite of deals—including agreements related to whisky and automobiles—that collectively amount to £2.2 billion in export opportunities. Despite the economic optimism surrounding these deals, some critics have voiced concerns about the Prime Minister’s trip to China. They argue that China’s human rights record and potential risks to the UK’s national security warrant caution in deepening trade relations.
Labubu dolls, recognizable by their distinctive spiky-toothed grin and furry appearance, first surged in popularity last summer, gaining acclaim from celebrities such as Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian. Their fans eagerly line up to purchase these collectibles, although the appeal can be difficult for some to understand. The dolls have also become a symbol of Chinese soft power, with Chinese state media praising Labubu as a reflection of Chinese creativity and culture in a form that resonates globally.
Grant Wang, the founder of Pop Mart, expressed enthusiasm about establishing a presence in London, calling the city “the heart of the global creative ecosystem” and emphasizing their excitement to grow their European footprint there. The Prime Minister’s visit marked the first trip by a UK leader to China in eight years, aimed at improving relations and securing trade deals with the world’s second-largest economy. Among the announced initiatives was a reduction in tariffs on Scottish whisky exports to China, estimated to benefit the UK economy by £250 million over the next five years, starting immediately. Additionally, a key car manufacturer, Chery, confirmed plans to open a European headquarters in Liverpool. Facing criticism, the Prime Minister defended the engagement with China as essential to fostering UK business growth, supporting jobs, and safeguarding national security
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