Long queues formed outside the new Pop Mart store in Cardiff's St David's shopping centre on Friday, June 19, as the Chinese toy retailer opened its first Welsh branch. The store, known for selling collectibles and blind boxes such as Labubus, attracted eager shoppers from across the region.
The 2,529sqft store, located on the upper level of the Grand Arcade, opened at 10am. Customers lined up to purchase new products never before stocked in Wales, as well as freebies offered for the opening event. Crowds of all ages were seen waiting outside the shop.
Helen Morgan, centre director at St David's Cardiff, said: 'We're so excited to welcome Pop Mart to St David’s for its highly-anticipated Welsh debut. This is an excellent addition to our retail mix that our guests have been eagerly awaiting and reflects our continued commitment to bringing world-class, experience-led brands to Cardiff.'
Shoppers travelled from far and wide to attend the opening. Summer from Brynhafren drove around an hour to be there, spending £96 on five Skull Panda blind boxes and picking up a freebie. Another shopper, Poppy, left the store with a large bag full of collectibles. Nineteen-year-old Madison spent £52 on blind boxes and also received the free item.
