Singapore – Gen X collectors are leading the collectibles boom in Singapore, according to a study from recommerce marketplace Carousell. While millennials and Gen Z ‘kidults’ were initially observed as indulging in collecting, Carousell’s report unveils a shift as older collectors emerge as key players.

The study reveals that 42% of Carousell users in the hobbies and toys category are above the age of 40, with the age range 41-50 emerging as the largest segment. Among all users, this demographic also emerged as the second-highest spenders.

40% of users in the said segment have reported an annual spending of over $1,000, lagging behind users aged 26-35 (56%).

Gen X collectors have made browsing collectibles a part of their routine, with 47% organising their collections through spreadsheets and documents.

While half of users above 40 years old prefer using Carousell for their collectibles purchase, 33% favour shopping at physical stores. 19% even attend events and conventions.

Figurines and toys emerged as the most popular among all age groups, preferred by 59%. Pop Mart characters ‘Labubu’ and ‘Crybaby’ were the most popular.  Meanwhile, 24% chose trading cards and 22% preferred LEGO.

Auckland, New Zealand — POP MART, the global culture and entertainment company best known for art toys and collectable toys, has announced the opening of its first New Zealand store in Auckland this April.

Located at Queen Street, the commercial centre of Auckland’s CBD, the two-story site features a range of POP MART toys from their numerous series and of varying rarities.

Justin Moon, VP of POP MART, and president of POP MART International, said, “We are excited to come to New Zealand and open our new store in Auckland, a world-renowned and beautiful city.”

Moon adds, “With our well-designed store, we can connect with local art toy fans and consumers, bringing them a joyful and engaging shopping experience, and sharing the culture of art toys.”

The New Zealand store is the first official POP MART store in Oceania. The company launched two Roboshops, or toy vending machines, and a pop-up store in Australia last year, which proved a hit with local art toy fans. A store also popped up this year in London that marked the brand’s first physical store in Europe. The Beijing-based art toy brand has already expanded into 23 countries and regions across the world.