Rob Elmo Meets Lovebu
The much-loved Chinese “monster” dolls, which have gained a following among celebrities like Blackpink’s Lisa, Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna, are set to make their debut in Times Square. The company behind Labubu, Pop Mart, has secured a lease for a 7,000-square-foot store located at 1540 Broadway, right in the bustling “Bowtie” area.
This ten-year lease positions Pop Mart’s flagship store at the southern corner of the Tower on West 44th Avenue, targeting a late 2026 opening. This retail podium, which spans nearly 200,000 square feet and is managed by Vornado Realty Trust, already houses well-known brands like Disney, Forever 21, and US Polo Association.
Details about the terms of the Pop Mart deal are still under wraps, as both Vornado and the retailer have kept a tight lid on information.
What we do know is that the Labubu Emporium will infuse some youthful excitement into Times Square, joining the ranks of costumed characters—think Elmo and various superheroes—who make the area their home.
This agreement is a significant win for retail in Times Square, especially as more shops continue to emerge alongside typical souvenir T-shirt sellers and fast-food outlets.
For Vornado, the news bodes well, as they have been aiming for a positive outlook recently endorsed by Fitch Ratings, especially after announcing plans to revitalize the 623 Fifth Ave. Office Tower.
And let’s not forget about the fans of these dolls, who have been eagerly awaiting this moment. No longer will they have to rely on ordering online or visiting sporadic pop-up shops.
Labubu dolls are a mix of adorable and slightly eerie, featuring sharp teeth and oversized ears, making them rather eye-catching. Their popularity has caused Pop Mart’s sales to climb impressively—up 213% this year, surpassing the performance of Barbie maker Mattel.
Pop Mart has introduced over 300 versions of Labubu Dolls, with prices ranging from $15 for a small vinyl figure to an eye-popping $960 for a large “Mega” edition.
One unique aspect of these dolls is their packaging; they’re sold in “blind boxes,” adding an element of surprise since buyers won’t know which color they’ll receive until they open it.
However, Lovebus has raised concerns about counterfeit versions, which are commonly referred to as “Roughfass.” Recently, US Customs and Border Protection in Seattle seized fakes with a value of $500,000.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has also issued warnings regarding these knockoffs, indicating that some may pose safety risks for children.
