"Isabella Allen,Politics producer in Shanghaiand Jennifer McKiernan,Political reporter Reuters Seven new shops for Labubu dolls are to open in the UK this year, following the prime minister's trip to China. Chinese toy maker Pop Mart has confirmed it will open a flagship shop on Oxford Street in London's West End, as well as shops in Cardiff and Birmingham, before opening 20 more shops in Europe in 2026."
"The announcement is part of a package of deals announced by the UK government, including on whisky and cars, which officials claim is worth 2.2bn in export deals. Some have expressed concerns about Sir Keir's visit to China, arguing the country has a poor record on human rights and poses a threat to the UK's national security. Labubus are furry dolls wearing a signature spiky-toothed grin and became a viral purchase last summer, with celebrity fans including Rihanna, Dua Lipa and Kim Kardashian."
"But their popularity has been a boon to Chinese soft power, with state news agency Xinhua saying Labubu "shows the appeal of Chinese creativity, quality and culture in a language the world can understand". Pop Mart founder Grant Wang, who expects to bring 150 new jobs to the UK, said: "London stands at the heart of the global creative ecosystem, and we are thrilled to plant our European roots here.""
Pop Mart will open seven new Labubu shops in the UK this year, including a flagship on Oxford Street and stores in Cardiff and Birmingham, and plans to open 20 more shops in Europe in 2026. The openings form part of trade deals connected to visits by Sir Keir to China, with officials estimating 2.2bn in export deals and new investment. The package includes a tariff cut on Scottish whisky valued at about 250m over five years and engagement with car manufacturers. Labubu dolls became a viral cultural export with celebrity fans, and Pop Mart expects to create about 150 UK jobs.
Read at www.bbc.com
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