Labubu madness also invades Doha airport: let's see if it will take Lamp Bear's place
Forget the usual duty-free stores: a veritable wave of pop [...]
DOH
Qatar
Forget the usual duty-free stores: a wave of duty-free stores has landed at Hamad International Airport (DOH). pop culture made in Asia. Qatar Duty Free, in collaboration with POP MART, inaugurated the Brand's first store in the Middle East, bringing to the heart of the terminal the colorful characters that have won millions of fans around the world - starting with the iconic Labubu.
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The opening was celebrated with an event in full POP MART style: a fast-paced fashion show, travel-inspired looks and models wearing the famous collectibles. Influencers and content creators from around the world were there to capture the moment - and social, predictably, exploded.
It doesn't matter if you fly First or low-cost, I'm seeing more and more passengers with these puppets hanging from their bags, and in many cases they are stored inside of the Clear cases to keep them clean and accurate.
POP MART lands in travel retail
The new store, located in the North Node near Gate C18, is a concentrate of design, culture and entertainment. The architecture mixes modern lines and Middle Eastern details, while the brand's best-loved series and several travel exclusives, including the new collection Twinkle Twinkle Wonderful Journey.
Designed for those who live out of a suitcase, the collection includes. card holders, travel pillows, bags and shoulder straps inspired by the POP MART world-a globetrotter's kit perfect for tackling even long connections to DOH.
And for those who like to take home a truly unique souvenir, there is the limited edition Qatar blanket, an homage to the country with local motifs, date-red hues and the brand's most iconic characters.
"Retail that excites"
"Collaborating with POP MART to bring this concept to the region reflects our commitment to redefining the retail experience at the airport," commented Thabet Musleh, Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer of Qatar Airways Group. "From global characters like Labubu to the trendiest collections, POP MART adds creativity and fun to our retail mix."
Also Justin Moon, COO of POP MART International, stressed the importance of this debut: "We are not just opening a store, but a meeting point between global pop culture and local Qatari identity."
A new hotspot for travelers
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the store is ready to welcome fans and curious people looking for a different experience than usual. In between flights, a trip to POP MART becomes an opportunity to discover how Art, design and collecting can transform travel retail into pure excitement.
In short, if you happen to transit Doha, be prepared: between an A350 and an Arab coffee, you might come home with a Labubu in your suitcase and a handful of extra avios in your account.
