Pop Mart Stock Surges After Tim Cook’s Visit to Labubu Exhibition in Shanghai

Pop Mart International (HK:9992) saw a sharp rise in its shares on Tuesday following Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Tim Cook’s surprise visit to an exhibition celebrating the toymaker’s popular Labubu figures in Shanghai. Cook met with Pop Mart founder and CEO Wang Ning, as well as Labubu’s designer Kasing Lung, during the event marking the 10th anniversary of the beloved toy line.

Pop Mart’s stock climbed as much as 6% before settling up 2.5% at HK$267.40 by 22:41 ET (02:41 GMT), outperforming the Hang Seng Index, which dipped 0.3%. The market reaction underscored renewed investor optimism in Pop Mart, which has seen its valuation triple this year thanks to the viral success of Labubu collectibles.

Labubu, a whimsical character that has captured global attention, has become a cornerstone of Pop Mart’s brand identity and sales momentum. Although the company faced recent concerns over the sustainability of the Labubu craze, Cook’s appearance has reignited enthusiasm for the brand, signaling continued cultural relevance and potential for global expansion.

The visit also aligns with Apple’s strategy of engaging with local Chinese brands during Cook’s frequent trips to China—moves that often go viral on Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo. His acknowledgment of Pop Mart further cements the toy brand’s growing influence among younger, tech-savvy consumers worldwide.

Cook’s China visit comes on the heels of Apple’s launch of its latest iPhone lineup in the region. The company also recently secured regulatory approval for its iPhone Air, signaling Apple’s ongoing commitment to the Chinese market. The synergy between Apple’s brand recognition and Pop Mart’s youthful appeal highlights the growing intersection between tech innovation and pop culture in China’s consumer landscape.