Hong Kong Starbucks and POP MART join forces for a limited-edition collection featuring MOLLY as a painter, angel, and mermaid, available from August 3rd.
Lede:
Hong Kong Starbucks has announced a first-of-its-kind collaboration with POP MART to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the beloved character MOLLY, launching a new line of collectible drinkware, a themed beverage, and an immersive pop-up experience at a designated branch. The partnership, which begins on August 3rd, transforms MOLLY into three whimsical personas—an artist, a cherub, and a Starbucks-inspired mermaid—offering fans a unique blend of coffee culture and designer toy fandom. With limited quantities available and a dedicated theme store located in Tung Chung, this collaboration is poised to become the season’s must-visit destination for collectors and casual fans alike.
A Celebration Two Decades in the Making
For twenty years, POP MART’s MOLLY has captured hearts worldwide with her signature pout and artistic spirit. To mark this milestone, Starbucks Hong Kong is pulling out all the stops, integrating the character into the brand’s signature coffee experience in ways never before seen locally.
The collaboration’s centerpiece is the “Starbucks Bearista × MOLLY” limited-edition glass tumbler, which cleverly merges the coffee giant’s iconic bear mascot with MOLLY’s painter hat motif. The collection also includes:
- Mint green and sky blue stainless steel tumblers – ideal for on-the-go fans
- Ceramic coffee cups with saucers – designed for home baristas and collectors
- Foldable umbrellas – featuring exclusive MOLLY artwork, perfect for Hong Kong’s unpredictable summer weather
Starbucks Rewards™ members can enjoy an added perk: purchasing any item from the MOLLY collection at participating stores includes a free limited-edition MOLLY sticker, while supplies last.
A Themed Beverage and a Customized Cup
Beyond the merchandise, the collaboration introduces a specially designed beverage experience. Fans who order a Grande-sized Green Tea Crème Frappuccino will receive their drink in a limited-edition MOLLY 20th-anniversary paper cup, complete with a matching themed paper bag. This particular frappuccino was chosen for its creamy, matcha-forward flavor profile—a visual and tasteful nod to the character’s playful yet elegant aesthetic. The promotional packaging is available while quantities last, encouraging early visits to participating branches.
Themed Store Experience in Tung Chung
For those seeking the full immersive experience, the Starbucks branch at Tung Chung’s Tung Tai Road (Shop 1-2, G/F, Tung Chung Crescent) has been transformed into a MOLLY-themed haven. The store will feature:
- Life-size MOLLY displays in all three anniversary looks
- Themed wall art and photo opportunities designed for social media
- A festive, whimsical atmosphere that blurs the line between café and art gallery
Operating hours for the themed location are from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays and 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekends, providing ample opportunity for fans to visit during off-peak hours. For inquiries, the store can be reached at 2651 6833.
How to Make the Most of This Collaboration
With items expected to sell out quickly given the popularity of both brands, here are a few actionable tips for those planning to participate:
- Arrive early on the launch date (August 3rd) to secure the most sought-after items.
- Check your Starbucks Rewards™ balance in advance to quickly redeem the free MOLLY sticker with any merchandise purchase.
- Visit the Tung Chung themed store early in the morning on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy the decor without hurry.
- Call ahead to confirm product availability, as stock levels may vary by branch.
A Broader Trend: The Rise of Celebrity IP in Fast Food
This collaboration is part of a growing trend in Hong Kong and across Asia, where quick-service restaurants and coffee chains are increasingly partnering with beloved IP characters to drive foot traffic and create buzz. From McDonald’s recent CHIIKAWA-themed happy meal toys to Shake Shack’s regional savory specials, these limited-time offerings leverage nostalgia and collectibility to engage consumers in a saturated market.
Starbucks, in particular, has mastered this strategy—earlier this summer, the chain released its “Taste Like Summer” collection featuring flamingos, strawberries, and watermelons. The MOLLY partnership, however, represents a deeper cultural crossover, appealing both to coffee enthusiasts and the massive designer toy collector community.
Looking Ahead
While the collaboration is currently announced for Hong Kong only, the international POP MART fan base will be watching closely. Given the global nature of both brands, similar activations in other Asian markets could be on the horizon, though no official announcements have been made.
For now, Hong Kong locals and tourists alike have a limited window to experience this unique fusion of coffee, art, and collectible culture. As with all limited-edition drops, the advice remains the same: go early, buy what you love, and don’t forget to snap a photo at the Tung Chung photo spots before they’re gone for good.
All promotional details and product availability are accurate as of the publication date and are subject to change at the discretion of the brand and participating locations. For the latest updates, check the official Hong Kong Starbucks website or visit the store directly.