By Jasmine Clarke, Senior Correspondent
The Labubu doll, an enchanting collectible inspired by Nordic folklore, has captivated the world in a way few toys ever have. Created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, the beloved figurine has become a cultural phenomenon, inciting a global shopping frenzy that shows no signs of slowing down. Despite its debut in 2015, Labubu remains one of the most sought-after toys in 2025, with its exclusivity and hype fueling long in-store queues and instant sellouts online.
Labubu figures, often plush pendant toys, are distributed by Chinese retailer Pop Mart, and have become so popular that they’re sold in “blind boxes,” which range in price from $21.99 to $39.99. This pricing strategy, combined with the toy’s limited availability, has contributed to an extraordinary surge in resale prices, with some figures fetching as much as $450 on the secondary market.
The Labubu Doll: A Global Phenomenon
Launched nearly a decade ago, the Labubu doll has transcended its humble beginnings to become a cultural icon. The doll’s whimsical design, drawing inspiration from Nordic mythology, resonates with collectors and fans around the globe. The popularity of Labubu is no longer limited to a niche group of enthusiasts; it has crossed into mainstream culture, aided by high-profile celebrity endorsements.
Stars like Rihanna, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, and soccer legend David Beckham have all been spotted with Labubu figures, further fueling the craze. These endorsements have played a significant role in amplifying Labubu’s status as the must-have toy of the moment. Social media influencers and collectors alike have showcased their own Labubu dolls, sparking viral trends and fueling demand even further.
The toy’s success is a perfect example of how the right combination of design, exclusivity, and celebrity influence can turn a product into a global phenomenon. As celebrities continue to flaunt their Labubu dolls, the toy has become not just a collectible, but a symbol of trendiness and cultural relevance.
Pop Mart’s Billion-Dollar Boom
The demand for Labubu dolls has proven to be an economic goldmine for Pop Mart, the Chinese retailer responsible for their distribution. The company has benefitted immensely from the widespread popularity of the figures, with its CEO Wang Ning seeing his net worth skyrocket by a staggering $1.6 billion in a single day, thanks to soaring U.S. sales.
Pop Mart’s success is a reflection of the broader growth in the collectible toy market, as consumers continue to seek out limited-edition and exclusive items. The Labubu doll, in particular, has created a perfect storm of scarcity, demand, and celebrity cachet, driving the company’s fortunes to new heights. This surge in demand has made Pop Mart one of the most talked-about companies in the collectible space.
A Frenzied Market: Bots, Scarcity, and Resale Prices
What makes the Labubu craze even more remarkable is the scarcity of the figures. Each drop of Labubu dolls is highly anticipated, with fans camping out for hours and lining up in droves to get their hands on the latest release. Despite frequent restocks, the dolls are often sold out within minutes, leading to a resale market that has exploded in size.
Reseller bots, which automatically purchase large quantities of products as soon as they are made available online, have exacerbated the issue of limited supply. These bots, combined with the relentless demand from collectors and fans, mean that those who are unable to secure a Labubu doll during its initial release often turn to resellers, where prices can reach as much as $450 per doll, depending on rarity.
This resale market has created a sense of urgency and heightened demand, turning each new Labubu drop into a highly anticipated event. Shoppers are eager to snap up the figures before they vanish, resulting in chaotic online shopping frenzies and in-store queues that stretch for blocks.
The Rise of Counterfeit “Lafufu” Dolls
As the Labubu doll’s success has skyrocketed, so too has the rise of counterfeit imitations. Some sellers have begun offering knockoff versions of Labubu under the name “Lafufu.” These counterfeit dolls have flooded the market, causing confusion among buyers and creating additional challenges for collectors who are determined to secure authentic Labubu figures.
Pop Mart has worked to combat these counterfeit products, but the growing number of fake dolls has created a secondary layer of complexity in an already chaotic market. Buyers are advised to be cautious and ensure they are purchasing from reputable sources to avoid falling victim to fraudulent products.
Labubu’s Cultural Impact
The global obsession with the Labubu doll speaks to the increasing importance of collectibles in today’s culture. What was once a niche hobby for collectors has evolved into a major cultural force, influencing everything from fashion to social media trends. The Labubu doll is not just a toy; it has become a status symbol, a piece of art, and a way for fans to connect with a broader community of like-minded individuals.
For many, owning a Labubu doll is an experience in itself—a representation of their personal connection to the art, the artist, and the larger cultural moment. As more people flock to secure their own piece of the Labubu phenomenon, it’s clear that this toy’s influence is far from waning.
The Labubu doll’s journey from niche collectible to mainstream craze is a testament to the power of design, exclusivity, and strategic marketing. As the demand continues to surge, one thing is certain: Labubu’s cultural influence will only grow, solidifying its place in the toy industry for years to come.