POP MART International Group explored business and investment opportunities in the Philippines for its retail expansion and collaborations with Filipino creatives.
Facilitated by the DTI’s Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Beijing (PTIC-Beijing) and the Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC), the delegation engaged with the Philippine Franchise Association, and key government offices. These included the Board of Investments, Consumer Protection and Advocacy Bureau, Design Center of the Philippines, and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.
The discussions centered on regulatory frameworks, market entry requirements, intellectual property, and potential partnership opportunities. Additionally, POP MART International Group Vice President Karen Chen presented the company’s development plans in the Philippines for 2025. These plans involve forging partnerships with local business enterprises and expanding their physical presence through new store openings.
Specifically, the company conveyed a strong interest in working with Filipino creatives to develop new intellectual property and original designs. Through this creative engagement, POP MART seeks to create collectibles that are deeply inspired by the Filipino culture.
This expansion seeks to build on POP MART’s strong performance in 2024, where the company reported a 106.9 percent increase in revenue (13 billion yuan) and a 185.9 percent surge in net profit (3.4 billion yuan).
The company aims to leverage its strong brand recognition and loyal customer base, driven by the popularity of plush toys and an aggressive overseas market expansion, particularly in Southeast Asia, which has seen a six-fold increase in revenue. Currently, POP MART operates two pop-up stores at SM Makati and SM Mall of Asia, further strengthening its presence in the Philippine market.
The DTI’s PTIC-Beijing and FTSC continue to play a vital role in cultivating strategic partnerships and advancing investment opportunities in the Philippine market, supporting innovation and economic growth in entertainment, intellectual property development, and retail expansion.
