# Culturally Specific Retail Expansions ICONSIAM and POP MART Establish a Global Landmark Location By Kalin Ned | Published 2025-09-02 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-marts References: [accessnewswire](https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/iconsiam-and-pop-mart-unveil-the-worlds-most-stunning-%22pop-mart-global-1064854)  ICONSIAM, a major retail and lifestyle complex in Bangkok, has partnered with the art toy company POP MART to establish a large-scale flagship store on its premises. This 760-square-meter venue is located on the seventh floor and is designed with a thematic focus that integrates elements of Thai culture. The ICONSIAM x POP MART collaborations center specifically on Thai water traditions, architectural heritage, and a philosophy of inclusiveness. It drew inspiration from the adjacent Chao Phraya River. The interior utilizes [curved forms and reflective surfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/central-park-bangkok) to create a sense of fluidity and openness. A central feature is a [four-meter-tall sculpture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kaws-holiday-thailand) of the character MOLLY dressed in traditional Thai attire and riding an elephant, accompanied by other figures from the POP MART portfolio. The store offers [exclusive merchandise not available elsewhere](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uniqlo-sherway) and includes the first POP MART Café outside China, which serves character-themed food and beverages, alongside a VIP area with a custom scent. Image Credit: ICONSIAM x POP MART ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.1/10 - Popularity: 98% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 49% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Cultural Integration in Retail Spaces:** Emphasizing local cultural themes in retail environments offers retailers new ways to engage customers seeking unique and culturally immersive experiences. - **Experiential Retail Destination:** The fusion of thematic installations and interactive elements in retail settings transforms conventional stores into immersive destinations appealing to experience-focused consumers. - **Crossover Retail and Dining Concepts:** Integrating boutique café concepts with retail experiences positions businesses as multifaceted lifestyle destinations, attracting diverse clientele seeking leisure and shopping combined. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Retail and Lifestyle Complexes:** Developing hybrid retail centers blending cultural exhibitions with shopping offers opportunities for unique consumer attraction and retention strategies. - **Themed Entertainment and Events:** Leveraging culturally themed installations and events can drive increased foot traffic and engagement in entertainment-focused retail venues. - **Specialty Food and Beverage:** The trend of character-themed cafes presents diverse avenues for innovation in the F&B industry, merging consumer interests in pop culture with dining. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Viral Collectible Toy Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popup-in-singapore.md) - [Playful Toy-Inspired Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jellycat-caf.md) - [Playful Tokyo Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tokyo-popups.md) - [Luxury Design-Led Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Luxury-design-led-retail.md) - [Whimsical Store Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniso-jakarta.md) - [Market-Inspired Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-plaza-johanna-ortiz.md) - [Luxe Parisian-Inspired Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/longchamp-x-constantin-riant.md) - [Luxury Pop-Up Streetwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wynn-palace-macau-popup.md) - [Boutique Cognac Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/martell.md)