Heads up, Filipino ARMYs! The BTS pop-up store has finally opened in Manila on Saturday, May 29, at SM Megamall.
Named after the internationally acclaimed Korean group’s fourth full-length album, Map of the Soul: 7, the BTS Pop-Up: Map of the Soul showcases over 400 products, from stationery sets to accessories and apparel.
First introduced in 2019 as BTS Pop-Up: House of BTS in South Korea, the 190-square meter Manila store will be open until August 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., giving the legions of ARMYs three months to shop.
Before planning to visit the pop-up store, here are some tips from the Manila Standard to make the most of your trip.
1. Know your schedule. Guests are encouraged to register and book a slot at morningKall’s website (https://2021btspopupasia.ph.morningkall.com). The online registration for each weekly session is every Wednesday, the next date for registration is on June 2. Only 30 pre-booked guests and five walk-ins will be accommodated per time slot, so be sure to know your schedule and be there 10-15 minutes before your slot.
Note: Physical tickets will NOT be issued for the event. Pre-booked guests will be asked to present the confirmation message delivered through email upon entrance.
2. Be familiar with the store and the merchandise available. Since each guest only has 30 minutes to shop (additional 15 minutes for payment and crowd clearing is allocated per time slot), make sure to research about the pop-up store beforehand. Being familiar with it will help you prioritize your shopping goals.
3. Know the health and safety protocols. Following the government’s GCQ guidelines, guests below 18 years old are not allowed. Face mask and face shield must be worn at all times, and physical distancing of one meter must be observed. Guests with temperature of 37.5 degree Celsius and up will be denied entry to the store.
4. Get your list and budget ready. After being familiar about the protocols, now it’s time to take notes of what you want to buy. The Manila pop-up store features merchandise based on two singles from Map of the Soul: 7 album—“Black Swan” and “On”—such as bomber jackets, sweaters, and wallets. TinyTAN collection including badges, stickers, mini towels, cushion blankets, and 3D wall posters are also available.
Tip: Guests are allowed to buy as many items as they want/can, allowing those in Metro Manila to help their fellow ARMYs in the farther parts of the country or those restricted inside the store to get their hands on the pop-up store’s merch.
5. Go cash or cashless. Guests may pay in cash, by credit card, or through e-wallets like GCash and GrabPay.
6. Ask. Never hesitate to ask the staff if you need assistance in looking for a specific product. You may ask them questions if an item is or will be available in the coming weeks. According to the store management, inventory replenishment happens every 15th and 30th of the month.
7. Take home good memories. The good thing about the BTS Pop-Up: Map of the Soul Manila showcase is that there are many “Instagrammable” corners where you can take photos together with your fellow fans (with social distancing, of course) while holding your “budols”. ARMYs can pose with TinyTAN (the animated versions of the record-setting K-pop group), standees, and the pair of wings on the wall. The area inspired by the “Dynamite” music video is perfect for socially distanced group photos.
The BTS Pop-Up: Map of The Soul Manila is located on the third floor of Mega Fashion Hall in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.