The arrival of the collectable toy store is set to spark huge queues when it opens at the Trafford Centre this month
14:33, 04 Aug 2025Updated 15:12, 04 Aug 2025
POP MART is opening at the Trafford Centre on August 16, 2025(Image: POP MART)
The Trafford Centre has announced details of the eagerly-anticipated launch for viral collectable toy store POP MART in the huge shopping mall this August.
The arrival of the store, known for its coveted Labubu toys and range of “blind boxes”, has sparked excitement among fans of the brand.
It will become the second POP MART in Greater Manchester, after the success of the Market Street store which has seen queues down the street for fans to get inside.
And shoppers won’t have to wait too much longer, as the new POP MART will open on Lower Regent Crescent at the Trafford Centre at 10am on Saturday, August 16.
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As part of the launch event, bosses have teased “exclusive gifts, hot products and plenty of surprises in store.”
In response to the expected demand for the opening, Trafford Centre bosses have now announced strict rules on when shoppers can start to queue on the day.
A spokesperson told the MEN: “The store will be opening at 10am and no queueing will be allowed inside the mall before 5.30am.”
In a statement released on Monday about the opening, bosses said: “Trafford Centre is excited to announce that POP MART is finally set to open its doors on Saturday 16 August at 10am, with exclusive gifts, hot products, and plenty of surprises in store.
POP MART is opening very soon at the Trafford Centre(Image: Trafford Centre)
“The new 1,400 sq ft store, located on Lower Regent Crescent, will feature a full range of POP MART collectables, including the most iconic IPs and blind boxes. Fans and collectors will be able to shop limited edition ranges and get their hands on seasonal exclusives available at Trafford Centre.
“The new store opening at Trafford Centre takes the brand’s UK presence to double figures, in line with the brand’s goal to make its popular characters accessible to more people across the country.”
Peter Shipman, Managing Director and Head of Europe for POP MART, commented: “POP MART aims to celebrate entertainment and pop culture to a growing community of designer toy collectors.
“The opening of our Trafford Centre store expands our UK presence and helps to bring playful and engaging experiences to customers.
“Trafford Centre’s vibrant retail environment, strong footfall, and strategic location strengthens our opportunity to access both loyal fans and new audiences, and we look forward to seeing visitors embrace the fun collectable toys and retail experience.”
The new store is on Lower Regent Crescent(Image: MEN)
Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, added: “POP MART is a brilliant addition to the centre – it’s a brand with real energy and a seriously loyal fanbase.
“Their character-led collectibles and fun, immersive retail experiences are exactly the kind of things we love to support at Trafford Centre. We’re excited to welcome them and think our visitors are going to love what they bring.”
The opening of POP MART comes amid an array of big store openings at the Trafford Centre. Later this week, shoppers will get the first look inside two of the three big fashion names taking over the former M&S on Peel Avenue.
Zara is opening a huge new flagship at the site, alongside a new Bershka store, on Thursday August 7.
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