Pop Mart will open its first Canadian store this fall at CF Richmond Centre in Richmond, south of Vancouver. The 1,325-square-foot space will sit in a prime location between the centre’s Apple Store and Anne Louise Jewellers. The store will feature a 30-foot-wide façade and is expected to draw large crowds of collectors, many eager to line up for Pop Mart’s highly sought-after product drops, including limited-edition Labubu dolls that have become a global phenomenon.
The opening of Pop Mart CF Richmond Centre represents a milestone for the brand, which until now had operated in Canada primarily through vending machines and third-party resellers. The new store marks the company’s first fully brand-operated retail location in the country, providing Canadian fans with direct access to its complete range of collectibles and exclusive releases. More Pop Mart locations will open in Canada in the coming months.
Jeff Berkowitz of Aurora Realty Consultants is handling the Canadian Pop Mart store expansion as broker.
A New Era for Pop Mart in Canada
Opening signage for the store was first spotted this week, creating excitement within Canada’s growing community of designer toy enthusiasts. Pop Mart’s decision to launch its first Canadian flagship at CF Richmond Centre signals a shift toward immersive, experience-focused retail, aligning with its strategy in global markets.
Unlike previous resellers or “Binggo” stores that carried Pop Mart products in the past, this location will offer the full Pop Mart experience, including authentic figures, frequent product drops, and the latest global releases. The brand is known for its vibrant store interiors, interactive displays, and carefully timed launches that often attract long lines of collectors.
Community Anticipation and Product Drops
Collectors are already buzzing on social media about the upcoming opening. Local toy enthusiasts expect the debut to include either a special product drop or a lottery ticket system to manage demand for limited releases. Popular figures such as Labubu from “The Monsters” series and the ever-popular Molly will likely be available at launch, alongside collaborations with major global franchises such as Marvel, Disney, and Harry Potter.
For Canadian fans, this store will provide more reliable access to products that were previously difficult to obtain. Pop Mart has maintained an official Canadian website and app, but demand often outstripped supply during online drops. Having a permanent storefront at CF Richmond Centre will allow the brand to maintain better inventory, create in-store events, and build a direct relationship with its Canadian consumer base.
Pop Mart’s Global Presence and Strategy
Founded in Beijing in 2010, Pop Mart has become a global leader in the collectible toy market, pioneering the “blind box” format that has since been emulated by other companies. The concept is simple yet addictive: customers buy a sealed box without knowing which character they will receive until they open it, creating excitement and encouraging repeat purchases to complete sets.
Globally, Pop Mart operates more than 570 retail stores in 18 countries and over 2,600 “Roboshop” vending machines, with a strong presence across Asia, Europe, and the United States. The opening of Pop Mart CF Richmond Centre marks the first step in what may become a broader Canadian expansion, bringing the brand’s artist-driven collectibles to major urban markets.
CF Richmond Centre as a Strategic Location
CF Richmond Centre is one of the most strategically placed shopping centres in Canada. Owned and managed by Cadillac Fairview, the centre features over 200 stores and services, including Uniqlo, Zara, Aritzia, Apple, Sephora, and Muji. Its central location, direct connection to the Canada Line SkyTrain, and role as a community hub make it an ideal launchpad for Pop Mart’s first Canadian location.
The mall has undergone significant redevelopment over the past decade, including the transformation of the former Sears site into a mixed-use community with more than 1,800 residential units. This evolution has increased foot traffic and reinforced the centre’s position as a lifestyle destination.
Uhg. More landfill material.