Labubu to open seven UK shops, after PM's China visit

What’s Happening

Okay so The furry dolls have a signature spiky-toothed grin and became a viral purchase last summer.

Labubu to open seven UK shops, after PMs China visit 3 hours ago Save Isabella Allen , Politics producer in Shanghai and Jennifer McKiernan , Political reporter Save Reuters Seven new shops for Labubu dolls are to open in the UK this year, following the prime ministers trip to China. Chinese toy maker Pop Mart has locked in it will open a flagship shop on Oxford Street in Londons West End, as well as shops in Cardiff and Birmingham, before opening 20 more shops in Europe in 2026. (shocking, we know)

The announcement is part of a package of deals just dropped government, including on whisky and cars, which officials claim is worth £2.

The Details

Some have expressed concerns about Sir Keirs visit to China, arguing the country has a weak record on human rights and poses a threat to the UKs national security. Labubu toy manufacturer exploited workers, labour group claims Labubu dolls make up 90% of fake toys seized at UK border Adorable or just weird?

How Labubu dolls conquered the world Labour peer who had sanctions lifted its meagre return for UK Labubus are furry dolls wearing a signature spiky-toothed grin and became a viral purchase last summer, with celebrity the fandom including Rihanna, Dua Lipa and Kim Kardashian. The legions of the fandom are happy to queue to snap up the dolls, although to many their appeal is hard to explain.

Why This Matters

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, dropped: “London stands at the heart of the global creative ecosystem, and we are thrilled to plant our European roots here. ” Sir Keir has made the first trip to China by a UK prime minister for eight years in an effort to thaw relations and cement trade deals with the second-biggest economy in the world behind the US.

This reflects broader trends we’re seeing in the business world right now.

The Bottom Line

” Sir Keir has made the first trip to China by a UK prime minister for eight years in an effort to thaw relations and cement trade deals with the second-biggest economy in the world behind the US.

Are you here for this or nah?