Christine B
Baby Molly is a popular character who stars in many series.
In the heart of Beijing, China, a small variety store opened its doors in 2010, unaware it would spark a global craze. Founded by Wang Ning, Pop Mart started humbly but has since exploded into a cultural phenomenon, captivating collectors with its designer toys. By June 2022, Pop Mart jumped the Atlantic, launching a pop-up store at South Coast Plaza 50 miles from Day Creek Intermediate, as well as a permanent shop at the American Dream Mall in New Jersey. These moves brought Pop Mart’s whimsical creations to US fans, marking its rise in the world of teen collectibles.
At the center of this empire is a pint-sized superstar: Baby Molly. With her huge blue eyes, short hair, and “iconic pouting expression,” the character has stolen hearts since her 2016 debut. According to Blindboxdaily.com, Baby Molly raked in over $288 million in sales, making her one of the most sought-after designer toys worldwide. “Baby Molly is a global sensation,
The Birth of a Star
In 2006, Baby Molly’s story began with a spark of inspiration after Kenny Wong met a young girl at a charity event. Her playful, pouting expression stuck with him, inspiring Baby Molly, a character that would become Pop Mart’s first mega-hit. Wong’s design quickly turned the company into a household name. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, as he earned a nomination for “Artist of the Year” in 2019, solidifying his status in the global art scene.
Pop Mart built on Molly’s success with a variety of series, each adding to her legacy. The Mega Space Molly series, with its unique characters and highly-desired blind boxes, is a fan favorite.
“I think that one looks cool, and I would buy it just because of how big it is,” said Marcelo R., a 7th-grade student. Other series, like the quirky Molly Bugs and cute Baby Molly line, have kept fans coming back. Even the lesser-known Regular Molly, Molly Carb Lover, and Molly Imaginary Wandering series offer adorable figurines for collectors who crave variety. For those with a taste for elegance, the Molly Anniversary Statues Classical Retro Series has less vibrant colors and a wood-carved look.
A Fruity New Chapter
On September 5, Pop Mart dropped a bombshell: the Baby Molly Fruity Aroma Series. Announced with colorful posts on Instagram, the release had fans buzzing. “With Baby Molly around, summer tastes just like fruit – sweet, fresh, and full of fun,” Pop Mart advertised. The series reimagines Molly as strawberries, lemons, watermelons, apples, peaches, pears, and a rare banana hot air balloon figure. With a strawberry focus to capture summer vibes, it echoes the playful fruit astronaut theme of Pop Mart’s Zoe Fruit Planet series, which also features apples and lemons.
What makes this series stand out? It’s not just cute; it’s innovative. Each figure is infused with a fruity scent, a departure from Pop Mart’s usual tea or flower aroma. Available as figures, phone charms, magnetic sealing boxes, and even water bottles, the series mixes charm with practicality.
“It’s really cute,” said collector Sage L. at local Victoria Gardens. “The top part of it is fluffy, which is something that I like. The expression on her face looks really cute as well. Overall, the character looks really cute, and people really like buying cute stuff.”
A Sweet Rivalry?
The Fruity Aroma Series invites comparisons to Pop Mart’s Sweet Bean Fruit World Adventure Series, released on September 6, 2024. Featuring a little boy on fruit-themed adventures, its timing feels like a warm-up for Molly’s fruity debut. But the Fruity Aroma Series shines on its own, offering a sensory experience and many designs that elevate Pop Mart’s popularity and brand.
From Beijing to the World
From its modest Beijing roots, Pop Mart has redefined the collectibles industry, with Baby Molly as its shining star. Nearly a decade after her debut, she continues to inspire joy and creativity, uniting collectors from Day Creek to those across the globe. As fans eagerly await the next series, one thing is clear: Baby Molly’s appeal to teens seems unstoppable. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newbie, Pop Mart’s world of wonder is worth exploring.