MiniToys Club Directory

Exploring the Blind Box Craze in Hong Kong: Where to Shop and How to Score Your Favorites

Hong Kong is a vibrant hub for pop culture and collectibles, and the blind box phenomenon has taken the city by storm. These mystery boxes, containing surprise figurines or merchandise, have captivated collectors with their element of chance and the thrill of unboxing. From global giants like Pop Mart and Miniso to convenience stores like 7-11 and niche retailers like Wonderland, Hong Kong offers a treasure trove of blind box shopping opportunities. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the best places to find blind boxes in Hong Kong, explore the reseller community, and share tips on how to snag those coveted rare figures.

What Are Blind Boxes?

For the uninitiated, blind boxes are sealed packages containing collectible toys or merchandise, often from popular franchises, anime, or original designer characters. The catch? You don’t know what’s inside until you open it. Each series includes common figures and rare “secret” or “chase” figures, fueling a gambler’s thrill that keeps collectors coming back. The appeal lies in the surprise, the hunt for rare items, and the vibrant communities that trade and resell these treasures. Hong Kong, with its love for kawaii culture and collectibles, is a hotspot for this global trend.

Where to Find Blind Boxes in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s blind box scene is diverse, with options ranging from specialty stores to unexpected retail spots. Here’s a rundown of the top places to shop for blind boxes in the city:

1. Pop Mart

Pop Mart is the undisputed king of blind boxes, credited with sparking the global designer toy craze. This Beijing-based company, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, has become a cultural phenomenon with its in-house IPs like Labubu, Molly, Skullpanda, and Dimoo, alongside collaborations with Disney, Harry Potter, and more. Their blind boxes, typically priced between HK$50–HK$200, are sold in sleek stores and “roboshops” (vending machines) across Hong Kong.

Where to Shop: Pop Mart has multiple locations in Hong Kong, including flagship stores in Causeway Bay (Times Square), Tsim Sha Tsui (K11 Art Mall), and Mong Kok. Their stores are a collector’s paradise, with shelves lined with blind box series and exclusive figures.
Why Visit: Pop Mart’s high-quality designs and limited-edition releases, like the Labubu series popularized by Blackpink’s Lisa, make it a must-visit. Their social media and toy-trading app also connect collectors for trades and updates on new drops.
Tip: Check Pop Mart’s website or social media for drop times, as popular series sell out fast. Some stores offer “store pickup” on Sundays for online purchases, but you’ll need to be quick—add to cart at 5:30 PM and checkout at 6:00 PM sharp.

2. Miniso

Miniso, often compared to Japan’s Muji, has carved out a significant niche in the blind box market with its affordable, licensed-IP products. Known for collaborations with Sanrio (Hello Kitty), Disney, Marvel, and Minions, Miniso’s blind boxes are budget-friendly, typically ranging from HK$30–HK$100. Their Top Toy sub-brand, launched in 2020, focuses exclusively on collectible toys and has seen rapid growth, with plans for a potential IPO.

Where to Shop: Miniso has over 50 stores in Hong Kong, including locations in Mong Kok, Causeway Bay (Sogo), and Tsuen Wan (Citywalk). Their brightly lit stores are accessible and welcoming for new collectors.
Why Visit: Miniso’s blind boxes, especially Hello Kitty and Minions series, are bestsellers and perfect for beginners. Their global blind box carnival events, like the one in December 2024, drive massive sales spikes, with Hong Kong stores often seeing long lines.
Tip: Look for seasonal promotions or carnival events for discounts or exclusive series. Miniso’s vending machines, recently introduced in some locations, also offer blind boxes for quick purchases.

3. Wonderland

Wonderland is a lesser-known but beloved retailer among Hong Kong’s toy collectors. Specializing in niche and high-quality collectibles, it carries blind boxes from brands like Tokidoki, Sonny Angel, and smaller designer labels alongside Pop Mart and Miniso products.

Where to Shop: Wonderland has outlets in shopping hubs like Mong Kok and Causeway Bay. Their stores are smaller but packed with curated selections, often appealing to collectors seeking unique or imported series.
Why Visit: Wonderland offers a more boutique experience, with staff knowledgeable about rare figures and upcoming releases. It’s a great spot for finding blind boxes that may not be available at larger chains.
Tip: Follow Wonderland’s social media for restock announcements, as their limited stock can sell out quickly. They occasionally host pop-up events with exclusive blind box drops.

4. 7-11

Yes, even convenience stores like 7-11 have jumped on the blind box bandwagon in Hong Kong! Known for limited-edition collaborations, 7-11 offers blind boxes featuring popular characters like Sanrio, Pokémon, or local IPs, often tied to promotional campaigns. Prices are typically affordable, ranging from HK$20–HK$80.

Where to Shop: 7-11 stores are ubiquitous across Hong Kong, from Kowloon to the New Territories. Look for special displays near the checkout counters, especially during promotional periods.
Why Visit: 7-11’s blind boxes are perfect for casual collectors or those looking for a quick, affordable thrill. Their collaborations, like Sanrio-themed keychains or mini figures, are exclusive and highly sought after.
Tip: Stock varies by location, so check multiple 7-11s in busy areas like Central or Tsim Sha Tsui. Follow Hong Kong 7-11’s social media for announcements about new blind box launches.

5. Other Notable Retailers

Log-On: This trendy lifestyle store, found in malls like Festival Walk and Cityplaza, stocks blind boxes from brands like Pop Mart, Tokidoki, and Sonny Angel. It’s a great spot for finding curated, high-quality series and exclusive releases not available elsewhere.
Why Visit: Log-On offers a mix of mainstream and niche blind boxes, appealing to collectors seeking variety. Their stores are stylish and often feature limited-edition drops.
Tip: Check Log-On’s Instagram for updates on new arrivals, as their stock can be limited and sell out quickly.
Toy Shops and Pop-Up Stores: Smaller retailers like Toy Station in Mong Kok or pop-up stalls in malls like Harbour City occasionally carry blind boxes from brands like Pop Mart, Miniso, or Japanese companies like Bandai. These are ideal for finding unique or imported series.
Why Visit: These shops cater to dedicated collectors with rare or region-exclusive items, often sourced from Japan or Korea.
Tip: Visit during weekend markets or toy fairs for exclusive releases and deals.

The Reseller Community: Trading and Scoring Rare Figures

The blind box craze in Hong Kong has fostered a vibrant reseller community, driven by the hunt for rare “secret” or “chase” figures, which can have odds as low as 1 in 144 (e.g., Pop Mart’s Microwave Oven Secret Edition from the Wacky Mart Monsters series). These communities thrive both online and offline, offering collectors multiple ways to get the figures they want most.

Online Reseller Platforms:
Carousell and Xianyu: These platforms are hotspots for Hong Kong collectors. Carousell, a local favorite, features listings for individual blind box figures, sets, or rare chasers, with prices ranging from HK$50 to over HK$7,000 for ultra-rare items like limited-edition Labubu figures. Xianyu, Alibaba’s secondhand platform, has seen over 300,000 sellers trading Pop Mart figures, sometimes at 39 times the original price.
eBay and Kicks Crew: For sold-out series like Pop Mart’s Wacky Mart Monsters, platforms like eBay and Kicks Crew offer authenticated blind boxes or specific figures. Kicks Crew, for instance, dropped the sold-out Wacky Mart Monsters on June 13, 2025, with exclusive promo codes like THR5 for discounts گوثوب:21⁊.
Social Media Groups: Facebook groups like “HK Blind Box Collectors” and WeChat communities allow collectors to trade, sell, or buy figures. These groups are active, with members posting daily about rare finds or organizing meetups for trades. Posts on X highlight the frenzy, with collectors sharing tips for snagging drops or venting about resellers inflating prices.
Tips for Navigating Resellers:
Verify Authenticity: Counterfeit figures are a risk. Stick to trusted platforms like Kicks Crew, which guarantees authenticity, or check seller ratings on Carousell.
Negotiate Smartly: Many resellers are open to haggling, especially in person or via direct messages. Be polite but firm to secure better deals.
Watch for Scams: Past incidents, like the 2020 Pop Mart scandal in China where employees swapped out rare figures, highlight the need for caution. Always inspect packaging for signs of tampering, like resealed glue or creased cards.
Offline Trading Communities:
Toy Fairs and Meetups: Events like the Hong Kong Toy Fair or pop-up markets in malls (e.g., Langham Place) attract collectors for trading and buying. These are great for meeting fellow enthusiasts and spotting rare figures.
Store Events: Pop Mart and Miniso occasionally host in-store events or “blind box carnivals,” like Miniso’s December 2024 event, where collectors can trade or buy directly. These events often feature exclusive releases and draw large crowds.
7-11 Promotions: During promotional campaigns, 7-11 stores host mini-events where collectors trade exclusive figures like Sanrio keychains. Check stores in high-traffic areas like Tsim Sha Tsui for the best stock.
Strategies to Get Your Desired Figures:
Buy Whole Sets: Purchasing a full case (e.g., 12 boxes for Pop Mart) guarantees no duplicates and increases your chance of getting a secret figure.
Join Store Drops: Pop Mart’s Sunday store pickups via their website (not app) are highly competitive. Create an account, add items to your cart by 5:30 PM, and check out at 6:00 PM to secure limited drops.
Trade Smart: Use community groups to trade duplicates for your target figures. For example, trading a common Molly figure for a rare Skullp expectations can save money.
Follow Influencers: Celebrities like Blackpink’s Lisa have boosted demand for figures like Labubu, causing quick sell-outs. Follow X accounts or Instagram influencers for drop alerts and reseller tips.
Check Vending Machines: Pop Mart’s “roboshops” and Miniso’s vending machines in malls like Tsuen Wan Plaza offer blind boxes with less competition than store drops.

The Psychology and Appeal of Blind Boxes

The blind box craze thrives on psychological factors like “herd mentality” and “gambler’s mentality,” particularly among Millennials and Gen Z, who form the core demographic. The artificial scarcity created by rare figures drives competition, with collectors spending hundreds or thousands to complete sets. In Hong Kong, this is amplified by the city’s fast-paced, trend-driven culture, where owning a rare Labubu or Hello Kitty figure is a status symbol.

However, the addictive nature of blind boxes has drawn scrutiny. In June 2025, Chinese state media called for stricter regulations, citing concerns about encouraging compulsive buying among minors. Despite this, the market continues to grow, with global blind box sales reaching $14.3 billion in 2024, and Hong Kong remains a key player.

Final Thoughts

Hong Kong’s blind box scene is a thrilling blend of surprise, community, and creativity. Whether you’re hunting for a rare Pop Mart Labubu at their Causeway Bay store, snagging a Hello Kitty blind box at Miniso, or trading with collectors at a Mong Kok toy fair, the city offers endless opportunities for enthusiasts. To score your most-wanted figures, stay proactive—monitor drop times, join online communities, and explore reseller platforms like Carousell or Kicks Crew. But beware of scams and inflated prices, and always verify authenticity.

Ready to dive into the blind box world? Visit Pop Mart’s K11 Art Mall store for the latest drops, check Miniso’s carnival events for deals, or hit up a 7-11 for exclusive collabs. Join the Hong Kong collector community, trade smart, and enjoy the thrill of the unboxing chase!

Disclaimer: Prices and availability may vary. Always check official retailer websites or social media for the latest updates on blind box releases.