Labubu takes Manhattan: Chinese brands target inflation-hit US

ConsumerPop Mart readies NYC flagship store while Luckin moves into former Starbucks shopsLabubu seller Pop Mart, Luckin Coffee and ice cream chain Mixue are among the Chinese brands making forays into New York. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Reuters)MIKA MIZOBUCHI and HIROKO NISHIMURAJuly 28, 2026 00:59 JSTNEW YORK -- Chinese brands are gaining traction with thrifty young consumers in the U.S. as inflation creates a tailwind for businesses competing on price, even in areas once led by Japanese companies like sushi and character merchandise.