PunkCode has launched its first overseas PunkVerse — a new kind of toy store that combines physical toys with digital experiences — with a flagship store in Ho Chi Minh City, according to a press release from the company–view source.
The company said HCMC was chosen as the first international location due to:
- Young, growing consumer base: Over 50 percent of Vietnam’s 100 million people are under 35, with the middle class projected to reach 56 million by 2030 — ideal for cultural and experiential products.
- Strong digital payment adoption: Mobile payments exceed 60 percent penetration, enabling seamless customer participation and loyalty integration.
- Low competition: Vietnam’s collectible toy market remains underdeveloped, with few scaled local brands and limited foreign presence.
- Strategic testbed: The Ho Chi Minh City store serves as a pilot for PunkVerse’s immersive, participatory retail model in a high-growth emerging market.
See also: Vietnam’s Retail Industry 2025: Market Trends and Key Insights