Starbucks and Pop Mart Launch a Molly 20th Anniversary Collection in Singapore
Starbucks and Chinese art toy giant Pop Mart have unveiled an Asia-Pacific exclusive collaboration celebrating the 20th anniversary of Molly, the pouty, wide-eyed character that sparked the modern blind box craze. The collection, which includes a Tumbler with Strap ($59.90), Bearista Glass Cup ($59.90), Foldable Umbrella ($45.90), and Ceramic Mug with Saucer ($35.90), will be available from 10am on 3 August at most Starbucks outlets across Singapore and on the Starbucks online store.
To mark the occasion, Starbucks is also introducing a Singapore-exclusive Strawberry & Cream Frappuccino, inspired by Molly’s vibrant personality and served in a special Grande Molly cup. The drink will debut on the same day. Purchases of any merchandise item are capped at two pieces per customer, per item, in a bid to manage demand for what is expected to be a fast-selling drop.
The collaboration taps into the enduring popularity of Molly, who was created by Hong Kong artist Kenny Wong in 2006 and quickly became Pop Mart’s best-selling figure. The tie-up is the latest in a string of lifestyle partnerships that have seen Starbucks align itself with youth culture and collectible art trends, following similar collaborations with brands like Bearbrick and local artists.
Why the Starbucks-Pop Mart Molly Drop Matters for Collectors and the Brands
Molly’s 20 Years of Cultural Currency
Molly isn’t just another cute character; she is widely credited with turning Pop Mart into a global collectibles powerhouse. The anniversary drop leverages two decades of nostalgia and an active, often obsessive collector base that hunts limited releases. By placing Molly on everyday drinkware and lifestyle items, the collaboration moves the character beyond the traditional blind box, broadening its appeal while preserving scarcity through tight purchase limits.
What the Drop Means for Starbucks
For Starbucks, these limited-edition merch drops are more than just a way to sell coffee. They drive foot traffic, create buzz on social media, and reinforce the brand’s image as a lifestyle destination. A Singapore-exclusive Frappuccino served in a Molly-branded cup adds a hyper-local dimension that can encourage repeat visits and word-of-mouth sharing. The collaboration also pits Starbucks against a growing market of café-meets-collectibles experiences popular with younger consumers.
The Scarcity Play
With a cap of two pieces per item and exclusions at several outlets (including locations in offices and institutions like SMU and NUS Wet Science), the release is designed to create urgency. Collectors will likely line up early or race online, and items may sell out quickly. The relatively accessible price points—ranging from $35.90 to $59.90—ensure that the drop appeals both to hardcore Molly fans and casual Starbucks customers looking for a fun limited-edition souvenir.
How to Get Your Hands on the Molly x Starbucks Collection
- Date and time: 3 August, 10am. Both physical stores and the Starbucks online store go live simultaneously.
- Purchase limits: Maximum two pieces per item, per person. If you want multiple items, bring a friend or plan accordingly.
- Excluded outlets: The collection will not be available at 78 Shenton Way, Active Garden, Bird Paradise, Cintech IV, Micron, NUS Wet Science Building, One George, Plaza 8, and Singapore Management University. Check the Starbucks Singapore website for the full list if unsure.
- Pricing: Tumbler with Strap – $59.90, Bearista Glass Cup – $59.90, Foldable Umbrella – $45.90, Ceramic Mug with Saucer – $35.90.
- The exclusive drink: The Strawberry & Cream Frappuccino, served in a Grande Molly cup, launches the same day. It’s available at all outlets, not just those with the full merch collection.
- Resale caution: If you miss the initial drop, be wary of inflated resale prices on secondary platforms; official restocks are not guaranteed.
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