Labubu to open seven UK shops, after PM's China visit2 hours agoShareSaveIsabella Allen,Politics producer in ShanghaiandJennifer McKiernan,Political reporterShareSaveReutersSeven new shops for Labubu dolls are to open in the UK this year, following the prime minister's trip to China.Chinese toy maker Pop Mart has confirmed it will open a flagship shop on Oxford Street in London's West End, as well as shops in Cardiff and Birmingham, before opening 20 more shops in Europe in 2026.The announcement is part of a package of deals announced by the UK government, including on whisky and cars, which officials claim is worth 2.2bn in export deals.Some have expressed concerns about Sir Keir's visit to China, arguing the country has a poor record on human rights and poses a threat to the UK's national security.Labubu toy manufacturer exploited workers, labour group claimsLabubu dolls make up 90 of fake toys seized at UK borderAdorable or just weird? How Labubu dolls conquered the worldLabour peer who had sanctions lifted by China says it's 'meagre return' for UKLabubus are furry dolls wearing a signature spiky-toothed grin and became a viral purchase last summer, with celebrity fans including Rihanna, Dua Lipa and Kim Kardashian.The legions of fans are happy to queue to snap up the dolls, although to many their appeal is hard to explain. But their popularity has been a boon to Chinese soft power, with state news agency Xinhua saying Labubu "shows the appeal of Chinese creativity, qualit
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