POP MART Opens Its First Newcastle Store at Eldon Square

POP MART has opened its first Newcastle store at Eldon Square. The collectible toy brand opened the doors of its 1,000 sq ft shop on the Upper Mall on Friday 16 October.

POP MART, founded in 2010, is best known for designer figures sold in "blind boxes", so buyers do not know which character they have until they open the box. Its best-known range is The Monsters, which includes Labubu, a character with a big following among collectors.

What is on the shelves

The Newcastle store stocks the brand's main character ranges, including Skullpanda, Hirono, Dimoo and The Monsters. It also sells plush toys and lifestyle products. The shop is on Blackett Bridge, near Skechers, Jewells and Lovisa.

Ian Ashton, POP MART's head of retail for the UK and Ireland, said: "Opening in Newcastle marks another exciting milestone in POP MART's continued growth across the UK."

Best for: POP MART Newcastle is on the Upper Mall at 2 Blackett Bridge, Eldon Square, NE1 7JB. Opening hours are 9am to 7pm Monday to Wednesday and on Friday and Saturday, 9am to 8pm on Thursday, and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. The nearest parking is the Eldon Garden car park.

A win for Eldon Square

For Eldon Square, landing a brand with such a devoted following is a boost as the shopping centre heads into the Christmas season. Collectible figures are a popular gift, and the store gives fans in the North East a local place to buy them in person.

The opening was reported by Retail Gazette and Retail Times. Opening hours and store details are on the Eldon Square website.