Pop Mart toy store opens on Michigan Avenue
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A display at the Michigan Avenue store. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios
The Midwest's first Pop Mart has hit the Magnificent Mile with some designer toys that have become sought-after collectibles.
Why it matters: The wildly popular store taps into a figurine and plush toy collection craze inspired by Anime shows, Disney, Marvel and other pop culture hits.
- But it's not just for kids.
Catch up quick: Pop Mart started in 2010 in China and became known for its "blind box" concept where buyers don't know which toy is in the box. The mystery prompts affluent buyers to continue purchasing blind boxes to get specific, unique toys.
- The trend went viral with 450 stores worldwide and more than 2,000 vending machines.
- Pop Mart also regularly releases highly anticipated new characters online.
Between the lines: The success of Pop Mart and designer toys may be part of the "Kidulting" trend over the last few years that finds adults tapping into their inner child by buying new toys or digging up their beloved trinkets from childhood.
What they're saying: "The reason our products are well received in places around the world is that they don't have any nationality ... they come from another world," Pop Mart's Justin Moon told the Financial Times about the company's expansion beyond Asia.
If you go: The pop-up store at The Shops at North Bridge promises U.S. exclusives like Peach Riot Frankie-Virtues Figurine, Peach Riot Gigi-Dark Angel Figurine and Peach Riot Poppy-Seraphim Figurine.
- You can also expect boxes of "Toy Story" characters for $135 and SpongeBob blind boxes for $16.
- Some of the larger characters will cost you about $1,200.