The world of designer toys and blind box collectibles has officially arrived in Mindanao as Pop Mart opened its first-ever pop-up store in Davao City on Friday, giving collectors in the region a long-awaited opportunity to experience one of the world’s fastest-growing lifestyle brands up close.
Located at Ayala Malls Abreeza, the pop-up marks another milestone in Pop Mart Philippines’ nationwide expansion, extending the brand’s reach beyond Metro Manila and into a city known for its growing community of art toy enthusiasts and pop culture fans.
For years, many collectors in Mindanao depended on online shopping or trips to Luzon to purchase authentic Pop Mart figures. With the Davao opening, fans can now browse and purchase sought-after collections, including Labubu; Hirono; Crybaby; Molly; Skullpanda; Dimoo; and other beloved characters, in person while enjoying the signature excitement of opening a mystery-filled blind box.
But for Pop Mart Philippines Country Head Marilen Villamayor, the brand’s appeal extends far beyond collectible figures.
Speaking during the media launch, Villamayor described the Davao pop-up as a significant milestone in the company’s journey to make Pop Mart more accessible to Filipino collectors nationwide.
“This opening is an important milestone for Pop Mart in the Philippines,” she said, expressing gratitude to Ayala Malls Abreeza for helping bring the internationally recognized brand to Mindanao.
Villamayor emphasized that Pop Mart is “beyond toys and collectible items.” Each figure, she explained, is a work of art created by talented designers whose characters tell unique stories through thoughtful craftsmanship, intricate details, and imaginative design.
She encouraged visitors not only to shop but also to immerse themselves in the Pop Mart experience, discovering the artists behind the collections, exploring the brand’s original intellectual properties, and finding characters whose personalities and stories resonate with their own.
The Davao pop-up also introduces the immersive Crybaby “Cry Me an Ocean” installation, inviting guests into a whimsical world where emotions are transformed into art. Through themed displays and interactive spaces, visitors are encouraged to engage with the collection beyond the excitement of purchasing a blind box.
The opening underscores Pop Mart’s growing confidence in expanding outside Metro Manila, recognizing the enthusiasm of collectors across the country, particularly in Mindanao, where the designer toy community has steadily flourished in recent years.
Officials from Ayala Malls Abreeza welcomed the arrival of the global brand, noting that its presence reflects Davao City’s emergence as a destination for internationally recognized lifestyle, retail, and entertainment concepts. The partnership also gives local collectors easier access to authentic Pop Mart merchandise without the need to travel.
The launch drew media representatives, content creators, influencers, Pop Mart executives, business partners, and collectors, many of whom eagerly explored the pop-up and shared in the excitement of discovering the surprises hidden inside each blind box.
More than the opening of a retail space, the event celebrated creativity, imagination, and the joy of collecting. As guests wandered through colorful displays and carefully examined rows of mystery boxes, Pop Mart delivered a message that has fueled its global success: every collectible is more than a toy, it is a story, a work of art, and a reminder that even the smallest surprises can spark genuine happiness.
