Manor creates the buzz thanks to Labubu dolls
What: Manor orchestrates exclusive Labubu figurine drop at Zurich central station, leveraging Pop Mart's cult collectables to create a high-impact retail event.
Why it is important: The strategy shows how retailers can leverage collectable culture and limited availability to attract younger, digitally-connected consumers.
Manor is expanding its successful Labubu figurine events to Zurich's central station, following strong performances in Geneva and Lausanne. The one-day exclusive drop, scheduled for June 28th at 10am, capitalises on the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) marketing principle commonly used in streetwear and sneaker launches. The event will feature Pop Mart's cult collectables, including three distinct series: Labubu, Crybaby – Wild but Cutie, and Skullpanda – L'impressionnisme, each offering different emotional narratives. The figurines have gained significant cultural cachet, with endorsements from celebrities like Dua Lipa and Lisa from Blackpink. Pop Mart's success is evident in their 2024 revenue of $1.2 billion, driven by their blind box model and strategic retail partnerships. The event demonstrates Manor's ability to create urgency and excitement while attracting a younger, urban audience through contemporary pop culture trends.
IADS Notes: Manor's Labubu event strategy reflects broader trends in experiential retail and pop culture merchandising. According to WWD's October 2024 coverage , pop-up shops have become crucial for creating urgency and exclusivity, particularly in high-traffic locations. Inside Retail's February 2025 analysis showed how retailers are successfully combining digital integration with cultural elements to enhance customer engagement, with blind box collectables proving particularly effective. LUXUS PLUS's January 2025 report revealed how retailers are moving beyond temporary installations to create meaningful brand experiences that prioritise emotional connection over immediate sales. The Robin Report's October 2024 coverage highlighted Manor's broader strategy of modernising its retail approach through exclusive brands and themed experiences. The Zurich station event, following successful activations in Geneva and Lausanne, demonstrates how retailers can effectively leverage pop culture collectables to create compelling shopping events that drive both traffic and engagement while attracting younger audiences.
