Analysis

Pop Mart Diversifies Beyond Labubu as Crybaby, Skullpanda, Hacipupu and Hirono Rise

Pop Mart's broader IPs are cutting Labubu reliance as Crybaby, Skullpanda, Hacipupu and Hirono gain sales and resale momentum.

Jamie Taylor2 min read
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Pop Mart Diversifies Beyond Labubu as Crybaby, Skullpanda, Hacipupu and Hirono Rise
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Pop Mart is shifting focus away from a single-character dependency on Labubu by accelerating a stable of alternative IPs, and collectors are already feeling the effects. An industry analysis dated January 27 examined company reporting and StockX resale data to show Crybaby, Skullpanda, Hacipupu and Hirono leading the charge, with clear implications for pricing, release strategies, and collector portfolios.

Crybaby emerged as the most accessible gateway for new collectors, with documented rapid sales growth and strong secondary-market performance. Many Crybaby pieces are priced under $50 at retail, making them realistic entry points for younger buyers or those avoiding high-stakes chasing. StockX activity shows collectors are turning over Crybaby figures quickly, supporting a tighter market for popular variants and encouraging repeat drops that sustain interest.

Skullpanda and Hacipupu delivered the biggest headline numbers in 2025, posting triple-digit StockX gains that carried momentum into early 2026. Skullpanda's high-fashion and gothic aesthetic created demand among style-forward collectors and boutique sellers, while Hacipupu's softer, dreamy textures appealed to fans who favor tactile, display-friendly pieces. Those characters now function as complementary IPs to Labubu, expanding Pop Mart's shelf space across aesthetics and price tiers.

Hirono is quieter but strategically important. The analysis calls Hirono an introspective character with potential to become a meaningful long-term revenue contributor as Pop Mart diversifies. Hirono's design language lends itself to narrative-driven releases and limited series, which can create slower-burning but reliable demand across seasons.

Market context matters. Pop Mart reporting points to a deliberate strategy of broadening revenue streams, and StockX resale figures confirm that collectors are rewarding variety. Triple-digit gains on secondary platforms signal that the market is not just chasing novelty; it is rewarding IPs that pair strong storytelling with repeat-purchase designs. That combination drives both initial retail sales and secondary-market appreciation.

Practical value for collectors is immediate. Diversify your collection instead of concentrating on a single marquee character. Follow IPs that offer coherent storytelling and multiple release formats, and track regional release differences for exclusives that can spike resale prices. Monitor StockX and official Pop Mart drops to time purchases and understand which variants carry chase value.

This shift means fewer all-in Labubu bets and more spread exposure across Pop Mart's roster. Expect Pop Mart to keep rolling out narrative-led series and regionally segmented releases, and plan your next buys around narrative depth, retail pricing, and designated exclusives rather than only character recognition.

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