From Southeast Asia to Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, Labubu—the beloved character from the Chinese toy company Pop Mart—is captivating hearts worldwide. This fluffy monster with a signature toothy grin is more than just a toy; it’s a global fashion statement.
Celebrities like Rihanna have been spotted accessorizing with Labubu dolls dangling from their bags, propelling the character into the spotlight. The ugly-cute charm of Labubu offers stress relief, emotional comfort, and a burst of creative inspiration to fans across the globe.
Part of the allure lies in the mystery of blind boxes—buyers never know which version of Labubu they’ll get until they open the package. This element of surprise has fueled a wave of unboxing videos on social media platforms, amplifying the hype and drawing in new enthusiasts.
Pop Mart stores are witnessing unprecedented scenes of eager fans lining up to get their hands on the latest releases. In one extreme instance, a scuffle broke out among shoppers at a store in Stratford, leading to the suspension of in-store sales in the United Kingdom.
The craze isn’t limited to physical stores. Online sales are soaring, with Pop Mart’s app reaching the top spot in the shopping category on Apple’s US App Store on April 25. On resale platforms, Labubu dolls are fetching hundreds of dollars, with rare editions selling for over $1,000—far exceeding the standard retail price of up to $85.
The skyrocketing demand has even sparked a rental market. By Rotation, a leading British fashion rental platform, now offers Labubu dolls starting at £3 (around $4) per day, making the trendy accessory more accessible to fashion-forward fans.
Labubu’s global takeover shows no signs of slowing down, as more people embrace the quirky charm of Pop Mart’s iconic character.
