Fan-favorite pop culture lifestyle brand Funko is opening its first-ever flagship store in Southeast Asia, located at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, on July 12.
Marking a major milestone for the brand in the Philippines, Funko held a media preview and soft opening last July 26, further strengthening the local collector community alongside established retailers like Filbar’s, Bully Boy Collectibles, and Hobbiestock Collectibles.
The store features Philippine-themed exclusives like Funko Pop! versions of Jose Mari Chan and Jollibee, alongside a wide selection from popular franchises including Disney, Marvel, DC, anime, movies, and more. During the soft opening, there was still room to expand the variety of available items. Hopefully, by opening day, collectors will have access to more options, including rare and hard-to-find pieces.
Courtesy of Funko APAC
The store also carries other items from Funko, such as the Bitty Pop!, Funko-themed apparel, and Loungefly accessories such as the Britney Spears Large Card Holder and the Oops!… I Did It Again Crossbody Bag.
Additionally, exclusive Funko Philippines T-shirts are also expected to drop later this year, available only at the flagship store.
Andy Clempson, Funko’s VP of Sales in APAC, shared, “We’re creating a destination where fans and consumers can come together, discover new favorites, and get closer to the characters and stories they love.”
Among those present at the launch was singer, toy designer, and Funko collector Jed Madela. For him, Funko Pops remind of childhood. “When we talk about toys, it often takes us back to our younger years,” he told Billboard Philippines. “Now, as an adult, it’s a way of healing my inner child. Growing up, my parents didn’t splurge on toys. You really had to work hard to earn them.”
Jed started his collection with the Disney line and as a completist, he now proudly displays a full wall dedicated to every variation and design from the first figure to the most recent one. He also enjoys collecting horror-themed figures, including the Universal Monsters and characters from American Horror Story.
For collectors like Jed, the opening of the flagship store is a source of joy and offers collectors even greater accessibility. “Flagship stores get priority and dibs on the first releases,” he says.
Located at the SM Mall of Asia, Level 2, North Entertainment Mall, the store is a celebration of pop culture and community for Filipino fandom.