B2 – Upper Intermediate
Pop Mart, a Chinese collectibles company, has surged in popularity by turning mystery into a business model. Its blind box toys—where buyers don’t know what figure they’ll get—drive most of its revenue and have sparked a global craze. Exclusive collaborations with artists like Kasing Lung (creator of Labubu) have helped the brand expand rapidly, with overseas sales tripling in 2024 and plans to nearly double its U.S. store count by 2025.
The model’s surprise-and-collect appeal draws comparisons to gambling, prompting new regulations in Asia. In response, Pop Mart is diversifying into plush toys, accessories, and digital content to sustain growth.
Watch the video to learn how Pop Mart blends art, scarcity, and retail strategy to build a booming global collectibles empire.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “splurge” mean? “When you decide to splurge on a Pop Mart blind box, which could cost around 20 to $30, you don’t go in totally blind.” Give two (2) synonyms and use it in a sentence.
- What does the phrasal verb “lean into” mean? “Pop Mart didn’t invent blind box packaging. But it is successfully leaning into what customers like about it.” Give a similar expression and use it in a sentence.
- What does “to double one’s footprint” mean? “The company plans to open more than 20 stores in the US by the end of 2025, nearly doubling its footprint in the country.” Give a similar expression and use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever bought something just for the surprise or emotional thrill, like a blind box or loot crate? What drew you to it?
- Why do you think people are so willing to spend money on collectibles they don’t necessarily need?
- Do you think the appeal of mystery in products like blind boxes enhances the experience—or encourages impulsive spending?
- How do you feel about the comparison between blind box shopping and gambling? Where would you draw the ethical line?
- Do you think this kind of trend-driven consumerism can last, or will people eventually lose interest as the novelty fades?
- How would you personally balance collecting for fun versus spending wisely in today’s economic climate?