Pop Mart confirms Labubu remains core IP with new 2026 plans

Rumours that Labubu might be discontinued have been put to rest. Pop Mart reaffirmed that Labubu is an active, core IP and outlined a slate of recent and upcoming activity, including a new standard series released in early January called "Carnival Spirits" and additional collaborations and pop-up plans scheduled for Q1 2026.

The confirmation arrives as collectors reacted to circulation of unverified claims about the line's future. In practical terms, the message means new figures, retail events, and partnered drops are in the pipeline rather than an end to the line. The January release of Carnival Spirits expands the standard-series lineup that blind-box collectors track for character variants and chase pieces, while reported Q1 collaborations and pop-ups point to promotional windows that often include region-specific exclusives and limited runs.

Where collectors can expect to find new Labubu items follows familiar patterns: Pop Mart channels, authorized retailers and scheduled pop-up events tied to the early 2026 calendar. Pop-ups are likely to be the primary venue for exclusive colorways or tie-in merchandise, while standard-series pieces such as Carnival Spirits will appear through the brand's normal distribution. Expect staggered regional availability rather than a single global drop, which means supply and odds for variants will vary by market.

For practical buying guidance, prioritize official pre-orders, enter retailer raffles, and use the brand's verification methods when evaluating purchases. Monitor official store announcements and authorized seller pages for pre-order windows and raffle terms. When buying on secondary markets, confirm authenticity through the brand's verification tools and ask sellers for purchase proof. Treat pop-up events as real opportunities to secure exclusives, but be ready for local queueing rules and raffle systems that determine who actually gets to buy limited pieces.

This clarification should calm immediate fears and refocus the community on upcoming product cycles. Collectors who want to stay ahead should monitor drop calendars, set alerts for pre-orders, and plan for regionally staged pop-up dates in Q1 2026. With Carnival Spirits already on the street and more collabs and events coming, Labubu collecting looks set to stay lively through the first part of the year.