News Summary
The collectible Labubu doll, endorsed by stars like BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Rihanna, is causing a frenzy among collectors in the U.S. With its unique design and ‘ugly-cute’ appeal, demand has skyrocketed, resulting in chaotic scenes at retail locations. The surge in popularity has led to a vibrant resale market and a rise in counterfeit versions. Pop Mart plans to restructure the release process to enhance the shopping experience, as collectors eagerly anticipate new releases of these limited-stock dolls.
San Diego – The collectible doll, Labubu, has taken the nation by storm, driven by high-profile endorsements from celebrities such as BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Rihanna, and Madonna. Pop Mart, the company behind Labubu, has reported a significant increase in demand for these small, gremlin-like dolls, which measure between two to four inches. The combination of celebrity influence and the unique design of Labubu, created by artist Kasing Lung, has contributed to its newfound status as a coveted collectible.
Labubu, recognized for her high pointed ears, short fur, mischievous grin, and nine razor-sharp teeth, embodies a blend of cuteness and creepiness, endearing her to fans who consider her “ugly-cute.” The character’s kind-hearted but chaotic nature, aimed at helping others, resonates with many collectors. Created by Lung, originally from Hong Kong and now based in Belgium, Labubu is a part of “The Monsters,” a fairy world inspired by Nordic mythology that includes both magical good and evil characters.
Since the endorsement by BLACKPINK’s Lisa last year, Labubu’s popularity has skyrocketed, resulting in unprecedented demand. Reports indicate that in the UK, crowds have become chaotic, with fights erupting as customers wait in long lines at Pop Mart locations. Due to safety concerns, Black Friday was even paused at these locations. In San Diego, TikTok videos have surfaced showing frustrated customers reacting to a man who openly took multiple Labubu boxes from a store in UTC Westfield mall. The viral videos illustrate long lines of eager fans hoping to purchase the dolls, highlighting the intense competition and emotional investment in acquiring Labubus.
Labubu dolls are sold through Pop Mart’s physical locations, online platforms, and various local retailers. However, the limited stock often results in products being sold out quickly. In San Diego County, collectors can find Labubus at three Pop Mart locations, including the UTC mall, which has both a physical store and a Roboshop—a vending machine designed for collectibles. Fans are encouraged to follow Pop Mart’s Instagram for updates on new releases, which are made available in-store every Friday and online every Thursday night.
The surge in popularity has also given rise to a vibrant resale market. Resellers are listing Labubus on platforms like eBay at significantly marked-up prices, which has exacerbated the frustration among consumers eager to obtain the dolls at retail prices. Furthermore, the emergence of counterfeit versions dubbed “lafufus” has complicated the purchasing landscape, leaving collectors wary of fraudulent products.
In response to these challenges, Pop Mart has announced plans to restructure the release mechanism for Labubus returning to stores in June. This initiative aims to enhance the shopping experience for collectors while addressing the issues posed by resellers and high demand. Labubus are sold under the “blind box” concept, leaving customers uncertain of the specific doll they will receive until opening the packaging, which adds an element of surprise and excitement to the purchase.
The trend surrounding Labubu dolls has extended to luxury fashion circles as well, further increasing their desirability among consumers. As collectors eagerly anticipate updates from Pop Mart, it is clear that the Labubu phenomenon shows no signs of slowing, sparking a nationwide obsession that reflects the changing dynamics of collectible marketing in today’s market.
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