Walk into the Westfield Culver City mall on a Saturday afternoon and you’ll see a line. It’s not for pretzels. It isn't for a new iPhone. It’s a crowd of people—mostly Gen Z and Millennials, but plenty of parents too—waiting for a chance to spend $15 to $100 on a plastic box they aren't allowed to open until after they pay. This is Pop Mart Culver City, and if you think it’s just a toy store, you’re missing the point of why retail is changing in Los Angeles.
Honestly, the "blind box" craze feels like gambling for people who love cute aesthetics. You walk up to a wall of perfectly designed characters—Molly with her crown, Skullpanda with her edgy makeup, or the mischievous Labubu—and you pick one. You shake the box. Is it heavy? Does it rattle? You’re looking for the "Secret" figure, the 1/144 rarity that flips for hundreds on eBay.
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The Evolution of Pop Mart Culver City
Pop Mart didn't just stumble into Culver City. The brand, founded by Wang Ning in 2010, spent years dominating the Asian market before making a massive push into the United States. While the Glendale Galleria and South Coast Plaza locations get a lot of the "tourist" hype, the Pop Mart Culver City location at Westfield (locally known as Fox Hills) serves a very specific, diverse demographic. It’s a hub.
It sits at the intersection of a massive residential area and the burgeoning "Silicon Beach" tech corridor. Because of this, the crowd is a mix of hardcore collectors and casual shoppers who just saw a Labubu keychain on TikTok and decided they needed one immediately. The store design is neon, industrial, and high-energy. It’s small. Intimate. It feels like a gallery where everything is touchable.
Why the Blind Box Hook Works
Psychology plays a huge role here. Most people mention "dopamine" when they talk about these toys. It’s true. The thrill of the "unboxing" is the product itself. When you go to Pop Mart Culver City, you aren't just buying a piece of PVC plastic; you’re buying the 30 seconds of suspense before the foil bag rips open.
- The Chase: Every series has a "chaser" or "secret" figure.
- The Community: You’ll often see people standing right outside the store entrance, trading figures they just pulled. If you get a duplicate, someone five feet away probably has the one you want.
- The Artistry: Unlike cheap Happy Meal toys, these are designer collectibles. Artists like Kenny Wong (Molly) and Lang (Hirono) have genuine fine-art backgrounds.
Navigating the Store Experience
If you’re planning a visit, don't just wing it. The store is located on the second level of the Westfield Culver City mall. It’s usually tucked near other high-traffic retailers, but you can’t miss the giant statue of Molly out front. That’s the photo op. Everyone takes the photo.
Parking at Fox Hills can be a nightmare on weekends. Truly. If you can go on a Tuesday morning, do it. You’ll have the staff’s undivided attention, and they are actually quite knowledgeable about which series are about to sell out. They won't tell you which box has the secret (they don't know!), but they can tell you which collections are trending.
What’s Actually on the Shelves?
The inventory at Pop Mart Culver City rotates faster than a revolving door. You’ll find the staples, of course. Dimoo is always there. The space-themed Dimoo Retro series is a constant bestseller. But then you have the high-end "Mega" series. These are the 400% or 1000% figures that cost hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars. They sit behind glass like museum pieces.
Lately, the Labubu craze has reached a fever pitch. Thanks to some high-profile sightings—including Blackpink’s Lisa posting her collection—the "The Monsters" series is frequently sold out. If you see a Labubu blind box in stock at the Culver City location, buy it. Seriously. It’ll be gone by the time you finish your mall food court teriyaki.
Beyond the Plastic: The Resale and Trade Culture
One thing most people get wrong about Pop Mart Culver City is thinking the transaction ends at the register. It doesn't. Los Angeles has a massive secondary market. There are Discord servers and Instagram groups dedicated specifically to LA Pop Mart collectors.
People meet up at the mall specifically to trade. It’s a social club. You’ll see "ISO" (In Search Of) posts on social media tagged with the Culver City location. This store acts as a physical touchpoint for a digital community. It's one of the few places where "kidult" culture—adults buying toys—is totally normalized. No one is judging you for spending $100 on a set of "Hirono The Other One" figures. In fact, they’ll probably ask to see your pulls.
The Intellectual Property Powerhouse
Pop Mart isn't just selling their own characters anymore. They’ve mastered the art of the collaboration. You’ll find:
- Disney Crossovers: Imagine Mickey Mouse, but styled by a Japanese street artist.
- Sanrio: Hello Kitty gets a high-fashion makeover.
- DC Comics: Gritty, stylized versions of Batman and Joker.
- Anime: Naruto and Jujutsu Kaisen often make appearances in blind box form.
This variety ensures that even if you aren't into "cute" stuff, there is something that hits your specific nostalgia or interest.
Common Misconceptions About Pop Mart
A lot of people think these are just "toys for kids." They aren't. The boxes literally say "15+" on them. These are collectibles made with high-quality materials, often featuring complex textures like flocking (the fuzzy stuff), metallic finishes, or transparent resins.
Another myth? That it’s a scam. While the "blind" aspect is a gamble, you are guaranteed a high-quality figure from the series you chose. You’re never getting "trash." You’re just potentially getting a character that wasn't your first choice. That’s where the trading community comes in.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Pop Mart Culver City
If you want to do this right, follow a few "pro" rules. First, check the Pop Mart US Instagram or their specific regional updates before you drive out. They often announce "New Drops" on Fridays. If you show up on a drop day, expect a line. Sometimes they use a QR code system for virtual queuing so you can shop elsewhere while you wait.
Second, set a budget. It is incredibly easy to walk in for one $16 box and leave having spent $150. The "just one more" mentality is real.
Third, join the loyalty program. It’s basically points for every dollar spent. If you’re going to become a regular at the Pop Mart Culver City spot, those points eventually turn into discounts or exclusive access to limited edition figures.
The Impact on the Mall
The presence of Pop Mart has actually helped revitalize that wing of the mall. It brings in foot traffic that wouldn't normally visit a traditional department store. It's "experiential retail." You go there for the vibe, the "vibe check," and the social interaction. In an era where everyone says malls are dying, this store is very much alive.
Practical Steps for New Collectors
If you're just starting out, don't buy a full case immediately. Start with one series that speaks to your personal style.
- Step 1: Browse the display cases first. Every series has a "displayed" set so you can see the actual size and detail of the figures.
- Step 2: Pick a box from the middle of the pack. Some people swear by the "weight" method—using a small digital scale—but most stores, including the Culver City location, frown upon this. Just trust your gut.
- Step 3: Open it in the store or right outside. If you get a duplicate, look around. There is almost always another collector nearby who might be looking for exactly what you just pulled.
- Step 4: Follow local LA collector groups on Facebook or Reddit. They often host "Trade Days" near the mall where you can swap figures without the pressure of a retail environment.
The reality of Pop Mart Culver City is that it’s a microcosm of modern pop culture. It’s fast, it’s aesthetic, and it’s deeply rooted in the "collector" mindset that has defined the 2020s. Whether you're looking for a desk buddy for your home office or trying to find a rare 1000% Space Molly to anchor your living room decor, this location is the premier spot in the Westside to get your fix.
Go for the toys, stay for the weird, wonderful energy of people unboxing their new favorite things. Just remember to park near the JCPenney side for the fastest exit when the mall gets packed. It'll save you twenty minutes of frustration, easily.