Pop Mart Shanghai aims to cater to ‘art toy culture’ aficionados while also attracting new customers, appealing to Gen X enthusiasts with its vibrant four-story facade and expansive 6,458 sq ft interior.
Brought to life by Shanghai-based architectural firm X+Living, the space focuses on delivering an immersive and experiential journey for visitors. The two-floor interior showcases a carefully curated selection of pop toys, with each level dedicated to specific themes. From manga-style toys displayed in back-lit niches on the first floor to an entire level dedicated to the iconic Space Molly art toy, the store offers an unparalleled visual spectacle.
For the uninitiated, Space Molly is a collection of dolls dressed in space suits, available in two sizes. These dolls are meant to be admired for their aesthetic appeal, akin to bringing a comic book to life. Accessing the Space Molly floor involves ascending a staircase that transports visitors from the mundane to an otherworldly realm.
Pop Mart goes beyond conventional notions of a toy shop, inviting customers on an immersive voyage into the world inhabited by its diverse range of characters. Li Xiang, X+Living’s chief creative officer, emphasises that experience plays a pivotal role in shaping the store’s distinctive atmosphere.
Pop Mart points to the growing influence of art toy culture among Gen X enthusiasts, offering a haven where nostalgia meets creativity. With its unique blend of design, curated products and immersive storytelling, Pop Mart raises the bar on the toy shopping experience.