Hirono Before the Snow Melts POP MART: Price Guide, Release Date & Where to Buy in 2026

The Hirono Before the Snow Melts figurine from POP MART is one of the most anticipated limited-edition releases of April 2026. Designed by the acclaimed artist Lang, this stunning collectible captures Hirono in a quiet, melancholic winter moment — snow dusting her shoulders, eyes cast downward in contemplation. With a retail price of $159 USD, pre-orders have been selling out rapidly, and secondary market prices are already climbing. If you're a Hirono collector or a designer toy enthusiast looking to add this piece to your shelf, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know: pricing, release details, where to buy, and how this figure compares to other Hirono releases.

Hirono has built one of the most loyal fanbases in the POP MART universe. Unlike the playful energy of Labubu or the edgy mystery of SKULLPANDA, Hirono's appeal lies in her emotional depth — each release tells a story through posture, expression, and environmental detail. "Before the Snow Melts" continues this tradition beautifully, making it a must-have for serious collectors.

Release Date and Retail Price

POP MART officially announced the Hirono Before the Snow Melts figurine as part of their Spring 2026 limited edition lineup. The figure became available for pre-order in early April 2026, with shipping expected to begin in late April through May 2026 depending on your region. Here are the key details:

Because Hirono limited drops historically sell out within hours, acting quickly on pre-orders is essential. The figure is not part of a blind box series — you know exactly what you're getting — which makes it especially appealing for collectors who prefer certainty over chance.

Why Hirono Before the Snow Melts Is Special

The Hirono series has always stood apart from POP MART's more playful IP lines. While characters like Labubu thrive on cute, energetic vibes, Hirono embodies a more mature, introspective aesthetic. The "Before the Snow Melts" edition pushes this even further with its winter-themed storytelling. The sculpt shows Hirono standing still as if caught in a private moment, with delicate snow details on her coat and hair that demonstrate POP MART's advancing production quality.

For investors and collectors alike, Hirono limited editions have shown strong appreciation on the resale market. Previous Hirono releases like "The Other One" and "Reshape" have regularly traded at 2-3x retail on platforms like StockX and Mercari within months of selling out. This pattern suggests that "Before the Snow Melts" could follow a similar trajectory, especially given the emotional resonance and the April 2026 timing — a period when POP MART's collector base has grown significantly.

Hirono Before the Snow Melts vs. Other 2026 POP MART Releases

April 2026 is a packed month for POP MART drops. Here's how the Hirono figure compares to other notable releases this month:

Among these, Hirono Before the Snow Melts stands out for its combination of artistic quality, limited availability, and strong historical resale performance. While the Labubu FIFA collaboration generates more mainstream buzz, the Hirono figure appeals to the dedicated collector segment that tends to drive long-term value appreciation.

Where to Buy Hirono Before the Snow Melts

Securing this figure requires knowing where to look and being ready when stock drops. Here are the most reliable channels for purchasing the Hirono Before the Snow Melts figurine:

POP MART Official Website (popmart.com) — The primary source for all POP MART releases. Create an account in advance and enable notifications for the Hirono series. Official drops typically happen at specific times, so check their social media for exact launch windows.

POP MART Physical Stores — If you live near a POP MART retail location (major cities in the US, UK, Australia, and across Asia), you may be able to purchase in-store. Arrive early, as lines form quickly for limited editions.

Authorized Retailers — Select retailers like Galactic Toys, Art Toy Familia, and others carry POP MART limited editions. Availability varies, so bookmark these sites and check regularly during release windows.

Secondary Market (StockX, Mercari, eBay) — If you miss the initial drop, the secondary market is your backup. Expect to pay a premium — typically 1.5x to 3x retail in the first few weeks after sellout. Always verify authenticity, especially on eBay. StockX offers authentication services which provide added security.

Tips for Collectors: How to Secure Your Hirono Figure

Competition for Hirono drops is fierce. Based on patterns from previous releases, here are proven strategies to improve your chances:

First, create accounts in advance on POP MART's website and any authorized retailers. Save your shipping and payment information so checkout takes seconds, not minutes. Second, follow POP MART on social media — they often announce exact drop times on Instagram and Twitter 24-48 hours before launch. Third, join collector communities on Reddit (r/POPmart) and Discord where members share real-time alerts when stock goes live. Fourth, consider multiple channels — try both the website and app simultaneously, as inventory sometimes appears on one platform before the other.

Investment Potential: Is Hirono Before the Snow Melts Worth Collecting?

From a pure investment perspective, Hirono limited editions have one of the strongest track records in the POP MART lineup. The combination of limited production runs, a devoted fanbase, and the artistic prestige of designer Lang creates consistent demand pressure. In 2026, as the broader designer toy market matures and more mainstream attention flows into the space (fueled partly by the Labubu phenomenon), niche premium figures like Hirono are positioned to benefit.

That said, collecting should always be driven primarily by personal appreciation. The emotional connection to a piece is what sustains a collection long-term. If "Before the Snow Melts" resonates with you aesthetically and emotionally, that's the strongest reason to buy — any resale appreciation is a bonus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the retail price of Hirono Before the Snow Melts?

The official retail price is $159 USD. This is a fixed-price limited edition figure, not a blind box, so there are no variants or secret editions at different price points.

When does Hirono Before the Snow Melts release?

Pre-orders opened in early April 2026 through POP MART's official channels. Shipping is expected from late April through May 2026, depending on region and retailer.

Is Hirono Before the Snow Melts a blind box?

No. Unlike many POP MART products, this is a single fixed-design limited edition figurine. You know exactly what you're purchasing — there is no element of chance involved.

How tall is the Hirono Before the Snow Melts figure?

The figure stands approximately 20cm (7.9 inches) tall, making it a substantial display piece. It is made from PVC/ABS materials with detailed hand-painted elements.

Will the Hirono Before the Snow Melts figure increase in value?

Based on historical trends, previous Hirono limited editions have appreciated significantly on the secondary market, often reaching 2-3x retail value within months of selling out. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, the strong collector demand for Hirono suggests positive resale potential.

Where can I buy Hirono Before the Snow Melts if it's sold out?

If the official release has sold out, check secondary marketplaces like StockX (which offers authentication), Mercari, or eBay. Always verify seller ratings and authenticity before purchasing to avoid counterfeits.

Related reading: Comparing premium POP MART price guides? See our Angry Molly 20th Anniversary Edition Little Painter price & release guide for the May 2026 milestone drop.