“Labubu Doll Craze Explained: Limited Editions, Soaring Prices & Where to Buy Now”

London — The pint-sized, snaggle-toothed Labubu doll has leapt from niche collectible to global pop-culture phenomenon in just a few months, spawning sell-out lines, secondary-market markups and even in-store scuffles. Pop Mart puts brakes on UK sales Beijing-based toymaker Pop Mart temporarily suspended in-store Labubu sales across its UK locations after viral videos showed shoppers wrestling for the last blind boxes, raising “safety concerns,” the company said on Friday. Online sales remain active, but the pause underscores just how intense demand has become. What is a Labubu? Labubu is part of “The Monsters” series created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. The gremlin-like character—big ears, mischievous grin and spiky tail—debuted in 2016, but 2025’s social-media avalanche turned it into a must-have fashion accessory regularly clipped to designer totes on TikTok and Xiaohongshu. According to Pop Mart, sales of The Monsters line soared 726 percent year over year, contributing roughly $400 million to company revenue in 2024 alone. Why collectors are obsessed • Blind-box thrill: Each sealed box hides one of a dozen designs, triggering repeat purchases. • Limited drops: Seasonal “Artist Editions” vanish within minutes online. • Affordable entry point: Retail prices hover around £25 (US $30), but scarcity fuels mark-ups topping £250 on StockX and Taobao. • Cross-demographic appeal: From sneakerheads to K-pop idols, influencers flaunt Labubu keychains in #BagCharm and #DeskBuddy posts that rack up millions of views. Tariffs can’t stop the toy’s march Even fresh US tariffs on Chinese toys failed to dent appetite. Analysts note that loyal fans are willing to absorb higher prices, with some paying upward of $85 for standard figures and several hundred dollars for oversized “Zimomo” variants. Fashion and sportswear collaborations The brand’s latest surprise teaser—a limited Labubu x Kobe hoodie—signals a pivot toward streetwear capsules that expand beyond vinyl and plush. Earlier tie-ins with Coach and Casio sold out in hours, suggesting apparel may become Pop Mart’s next growth engine. Supply constraints and resale surge Factory lead times of 90–120 days mean restocks can’t keep up with trending hashtags. Resellers exploit the gap: eBay currently lists rare glow-in-the-dark “Starry Labubu” figures for over £600. Market-tracking site ToyData shows average secondary prices up 312 percent since January. Consumer-safety spotlight Retail analysts warn that crowd-control failures could invite stricter regulation of surprise-box collectibles. Pop Mart says it is piloting digital queuing systems and purchase limits of two boxes per customer when brick-and-mortar sales resume. Will the craze last? Consultancy TrendScope believes Labubu has “at least another 12-to-18-month runway” thanks to fresh character variants slated for Comic-Con Seoul and rumors of an animated streaming series. Yet history reminds investors that toy fads can flame out as quickly as they ignite—Beanie Babies and Fidget Spinners serve as cautionary tales. For now, the mischievous monster reigns supreme on wish lists worldwide, and every new drop only stokes the hunt. If you’re eyeing a Labubu for your shelf—or your handbag—be prepared to click fast, queue early and, ideally, avoid the kind of brawl that just shut down UK store shelves.