Not just the Sticky Monster Lab—Hootloop Planet sparks another convenience store collectibles craze

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots House, compiled and reported

The first five Hootloop Planet magnets (Polar Bear, Arctic Wolf, Reindeer, Tiger, Whale) were released on December 20, followed by the next five (Lion, Killer Whale, Koala, Panda, Buffalo) on January 3, 2018. The exchange offer allows customers to purchase two eligible drinks or powdered beverages priced over NT$18 each, then pay an additional NT$79 to get one exclusive magnet figurine. The limited and phased release has not only drawn attention from gashapon fans but also attracted more consumers to join the collecting trend.

Hootloop Planet has been hugely popular among fans since its launch in Japan, and many Taiwanese tourists also collect the characters while traveling there. Now, the gashapon machines in Taiwan also offer them. In the summer of 2017, Hootloop Planet launched its third series featuring polar animals, once again triggering a collecting craze. This time, FamilyMart’s Hootloop Planet magnet series brings together animal characters from all three series (1–3), so fans eager to complete their collections should act fast.

In addition, FamilyMart has also launched a points campaign for SML Sticky Monster Lab (Sticky Monster Lab), a character brand from South Korea created by a highly regarded Asian design team. The brand frequently collaborates with Korean convenience store GS25 to release drinks, sparking collection fever, and is also a go-to brand for many visitors to Korea seeking themed merchandise. FamilyMart Taiwan has now introduced a points-based collectible product collaboration. For details on how to participate, see below—collectors, act quickly.