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China’s private sector
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Pop Mart opens its first Qatar store, bringing Labubu plush toys to the Middle East region

The Chinese toymaker expects overseas revenue to surpass domestic sales by the end of this year

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Pop Mart’s first store in the Middle East is at Hamad International Airport in Doha, capital of Qatar. Photo: Handout
Cao Li
Chinese toymaker Pop Mart, maker of the Labubu monster dolls, is expanding into the Middle East with the opening of its first store in the region, marking a significant milestone in its international growth.

Launched in partnership with Qatar Duty Free (QDF), the new store is situated in the North Node area of Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar’s capital. It features a selection of travel-themed exclusive collectibles, including card holders, travel pillows and bags.

The outlet, which opened its doors on Tuesday, is the first Pop Mart location to operate 24/7.

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“This new store is a testament to our commitment to meeting fans wherever they are,” said Justin Moon, senior vice-president and chief operating officer of Pop Mart. “Pop Mart adds a new dimension of creativity and fun to our retail mix,” said Thabet Musleh, chief retail and hospitality officer with QDF owner Qatar Airways Group.

(From left to right): Qatar Duty Free’s Vice President (Strategy & Commercial) Nuno Moreira, Hamad International Airport’s Chief Operating Officer Hamad Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer, Pop Mart International Group’s Chief Operating Officer Justin Moon, Qatar Airways Group’s Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer Thabet Musleh, Qatar Airways Group’s Head of Southeast Asia & Middle East Jeremy Lee, Pop Mart Asia Pacific’s Marketing Director Eva Zhao
(From left to right): Qatar Duty Free’s Vice President (Strategy & Commercial) Nuno Moreira, Hamad International Airport’s Chief Operating Officer Hamad Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer, Pop Mart International Group’s Chief Operating Officer Justin Moon, Qatar Airways Group’s Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer Thabet Musleh, Qatar Airways Group’s Head of Southeast Asia & Middle East Jeremy Lee, Pop Mart Asia Pacific’s Marketing Director Eva Zhao

Founded by millennial entrepreneur Wang Ning in 2010, Pop Mart began with the concept of selling toys in so-called blind boxes, which conceal their content in opaque wrappings.

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The company has since evolved from a seller of plush toys and fridge magnets in Beijing’s Zhongguancun area to become the world’s largest toy company by market value.

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