Pop Mart, the Chinese art toy company behind the wildly popular Labubu figurines, has earned a spot on TIME magazine’s prestigious TIME100 Most Influential Companies list for 2025, marking a historic first for a Chinese art toy brand. Recognized in the “Disrupters” category alongside industry giants like DeepSeek, Meta, and ASML, Pop Mart’s inclusion underscores its meteoric rise and cultural impact in the global collectibles market.
Founded in 2010, Pop Mart has transformed the art toy industry with its innovative “blind box” model, where buyers purchase sealed packages without knowing which design they’ll receive until opening them. The company’s flagship character, Labubu, a whimsical creature inspired by Nordic folklore and created a decade ago by Hong Kong-born artist Lung Ka-sing, has become a global phenomenon. Since Pop Mart began selling Labubu in blind boxes in 2019, the character has sparked collecting frenzies, fueled by viral TikTok unboxing videos that showcase the thrill of the surprise.
“Revenues and profits more than doubled in 2024, compared to 2023,” TIME magazine noted in its profile of the company. “Pop Mart is adept at selling not only toys but in-store experiences.” With 530 themed stores worldwide, the company has crafted immersive retail environments that draw fans into its playful, collectible-driven universe.
The TIME100 list evaluates companies based on relevance, influence, innovation, leadership, strategic vision, and achievements. Pop Mart’s inclusion highlights its ability to reshape consumer culture, blending art, commerce, and fandom in a way that resonates globally. By turning quirky designs into must-have collectibles, the company has not only disrupted the toy industry but also set a new standard for experiential retail.
