How Pop Mart Dolls Took Over the World

2025-06-19 22:33:00

Whether you find them adorable or bizarre, you’ve likely heard of the
Labubu dolls, the furry creatures that have become a global sensation.

From Monster to Mainstream: the Rise of Labubu

These elf-like dolls from chinese toy maker Pop Mart are everywhere.

• Labubu, created by artist Kasing Lung, is a character in “The
  Monsters” toy series.
• Pop Mart’s profits have almost tripled thanks to Labubu’s popularity.
• Celebrities like Rihanna and Kim Kardashian have embraced the
  dolls.

The Labubu doll, born from the mind of artist Kasing Lung and brought to
life by Pop Mart, has exploded into a viral phenomenon, captivating
celebrities and everyday people alike. From Shanghai to London, fans are
eager to get their hands on the must-have item.

“You get such a sense of achievement when you are able to get it among such
fierce competition,” says fan Fiona Zhang.

The world’s fascination wiht Labubu has nearly tripled Pop Mart’s profits
in the last year.Many believe the dolls have even energized Chinese soft
power after a challenging period.

What Exactly Is a Labubu? Decoding the Doll

Many people are still puzzled by the Labubu craze, and even those who
know the answer find it hard to explain.

Labubu is a brand and a fictional character.The name itself doesn’t have
any specific meaning. It’s the name of a character in “The Monsters” toy
series created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung.

These vinyl faces are attached to plush bodies, and feature a signature
look with pointy ears, big eyes and a mischievous grin showing exactly nine
teeth. The internet is split on whether they are cute or a bit odd.

The Labubu universe includes other characters that have inpired
their own dolls

According to its retailer’s official website, Labubu is “kind-hearted and
always wants to help, but often accidentally achieves the opposite”.

The Labubu dolls have appeared in many series of “The Monsters,” such as
“Big into Energy”, “Have a Seat”, “Exciting Macaron” and “Fall in Wild.”

The Labubu brand also has other characters from its universe, which have
inspired their own popular dolls – such as the tribe’s leader Zimomo, her
boyfriend Tycoco and her friend mokoko.

While some of these dolls look similar, aficionados can tell them apart,
and Labubu’s popularity has rubbed off on others in the family.

Pop Mart: The Company Behind the Craze

Pop Mart teamed up with Kasing Lung for the rights to Labubu after selling
so-called blind boxes.

This partnership happened in 2019, almost a decade after entrepreneur Wang
Ning opened Pop Mart in Beijing as a general store. Pop Mart launched its
first series in 2016, selling Molly dolls – child-like figurines by Hong
Kong artist Kenny Wong – after the blind boxes became a success.

Pop Mart first opened as a variety store in Beijing in 2010

The sales of Labubu dolls fueled Pop Mart’s growth,and in December 2020,
it began selling shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Those shares have
soared by more than 500% in the last year.

Pop Mart is a major retailer with over 2,000 vending machines, or
“roboshops,” worldwide. Labubu dolls are sold in physical and virtual
stores in more than 30 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and
Singapore.Sales from outside mainland China accounted for almost 40% of
its total revenue in 2024.

From China to the World: How Labubu Went Global

Before its global fame, Labubu’s popularity was mainly limited to China.

According to Ashley Dudarenok, founder of the China-focused research firm
ChoZan, the dolls became a hit as the country emerged from the pandemic in
late 2022.

“Post-pandemic, a lot of people in China felt that they wanted to
emotionally escape… and Labubu was a very charming but chaotic character,”
she says. “It embodied that anti-perfectionism.”

while many viral trends emerge from the Chinese internet, not all go
global. The Labubu dolls, however, quickly gained popularity in Southeast
Asia.

Fiona, who lives in Canada, first heard about Labubu from Filipino friends
in 2023. She began buying them because she finds them cute, but their
rising popularity is another appeal: “The more popular it gets the more I
want it.”

“My husband doesn’t understand why me, someone in their 30s, would be so
fixated on something like this, like caring about which color to get.”

Labubu pendants are the most coveted

The dolls are also affordable, she adds. Despite the rise in prices on the
second-hand market, the original price, which ranged from C$25 ($18; £14)
to C$70 for most Labubu dolls, was “acceptable” to most people she knows.

“That’s pretty much how much a bag accessory would cost anyway these days,
most people would be able to afford it,” she says.

In April 2024, Labubu’s popularity surged when Thai-born K-pop superstar
Lisa began posting photos on Instagram with various Labubu dolls.

In Febuary, singer Rihanna was photographed with a Labubu toy clipped to
her Louis Vuitton bag. Influencer Kim Kardashian shared her collection of
10 labubu dolls with her instagram followers in April. In May, former
England football captain Sir David Beckham also took to Instagram with a
photo of a Labubu, given to him by his daughter.

Now the dolls are regularly seen online and with friends, colleagues, and
passersby.

What’s Behind the Labubu Obsession?

why are the Labubu dolls so popular? The answer, like most viral
trends, is hard to pinpoint.

It’s a blend of timing,taste,and the unpredictable nature of the
internet.

Beijing is happy with the outcome. State news agency Xinhua says Labubu
“shows the appeal of Chinese creativity, quality and culture in a language
the world can understand”, while giving everyone the chance to see “cool
China”.

Xinhua highlights other examples of “Chinese cultural IP going global,”
like the video game Black Myth: Wukong and the animated film Nezha.

A Pop Mart store in Shanghai

Some analysts are surprised by the success of Chinese companies – from EV
makers and AI developers to retailers – despite Western concerns over
Beijing’s ambitions.

Chris Pereira, founder and chief executive of consultancy firm iMpact, told
BBC News: “BYD, DeepSeek, all of these companies have one very fascinating
thing in common, including Labubu. They’re so good that no one cares
they’re from China. You can’t ignore them.”

Labubu continues to gain social media followers, with millions watching
people unbox their dolls. One popular video, posted in December, shows US
airport security staff gathering around a traveler’s unopened Labubu box to
see which doll is inside.

Desmond Tan, a longtime collector, says that the element of surprise is a
important part of the appeal. He vigorously shakes blind boxes before
deciding which one to buy in a Pop Mart store in Singapore.

Desmond collects “chaser” characters, special editions from Pop Mart’s toy
series, including Labubu. Desmond says he finds a chaser in about one out
of every 10 boxes he buys.

“Being able to get the chaser from shaking the box, learning how to feel
the difference…,” is deeply satisfying for him.

“If I can get it in just one or two tries,I’m very happy!”

Continuing the Labubu fascination, the element of surprise is a core component of the collectible toy’s appeal. This “blind box” model, where the contents are hidden, drives a frenzy.

The Thrill of the Hunt: Diving into the Blind Box Phenomenon

The popularity of the Labubu doll’s blind box design is a key driver of its global success. The mystery of not knowing which Labubu you’ll recieve fuels excitement and encourages repeat purchases.

Blind boxes, like those used for Labubu dolls, offer a unique blend of collecting, gambling, and immediate satisfaction. This combination has captured the attention of diverse demographics. Longtime collector Desmond Tan’s experience demonstrates this allure.

The excitement peaks as collectors attempt to identify the coveted “chaser” characters. The chase for these rare, limited-edition dolls adds an extra layer of thrill.

Let’s unpack the core elements of how blind boxes work and why the Labubu craze has become such a global phenomenon.

How Blind Boxes Work

• Mystery Packaging: The core concept is simple: figurines are sold in sealed boxes, making it unfeasible to know the contents before opening.

• Collectibility: Each series features a range of characters, with some more common (“commons”) and others rarer.

• The Chaser Effect: Chasers are special, limited-edition figures with a lower production run. Collectors eagerly seek them out.

• Trading and Community: communities are a critical element, with collectors often trading duplicates to complete their set or sell for profit.

The thrill goes beyond simply acquiring another doll, as the surprise element contributes to what makes Labubu a popular investment.

Why Blind Boxes are So Appealing

• The element of Surprise: People enjoy the anticipation of not knowing what they are going to get.

• Collectibility and Scarcity: The potential of finding a unique or rare figure drives demand from collectors and investors.

• Community and social Sharing: Unboxing videos and online communities help collectors connect and share their passion, increasing demand.

• Psychological Factors: The blind box approach plays on the human desire for rewards, similar to gambling, making consumers eager to purchase and open more.

Desmond’s quest to find a chaser within the blind box is a captivating experience. Blind boxes leverage a mix of excitement, collecting, and the thrill of the unkown. This strategy keeps collectors coming back for more.

For those new to the Labubu world, here are some practical tips.

Essential Tips for Labubu Collectors

• Join online Communities: Engage in social media groups and forums to learn from experienced collectors, discover trading opportunities, and stay updated on releases.

• Research Series: Familiarize yourself with the various Labubu series, the characters included, and the chase ratios to better understand which ones you want.

• Feel the Box: Some experienced collectors learn to identify specific characters based on the weight and shape of the box.

• Set a Budget: The blind box format can be addictive, so establish a spending limit and stick to it to avoid overspending.

• Preserve Packaging: Keep the original boxes, as they enhance the value if you decide to sell or trade.

Collectors and potential enthusiasts are eager to understand the cost.

How much do Labubu dolls cost, and are they worth collecting? Typically, individual Labubu dolls range from $10 to $30. collectors find the blind box experience and potential rarity worth the spend.

What are “chaser” Labubu dolls, and how can I find them? Chaser dolls are rare, limited-edition versions. Their low production numbers make them coveted. Learning to shake the box can sometimes give collectors a chance to feel what’s inside.

Myth vs. fact: Navigating Common Misconceptions

Myth	Fact
Labubu is just for kids.	While the designs have an innocent appeal, the collectible nature and social aspect attract a wide adult collector base.
The value of Labubu dolls decreases over time.	Their value depends on rarity and market demand. Some limited editions, can increase in value, which bolsters their appeal.
All blind boxes contain the same odds.	The chance of pulling a chase figure varies to keep fans returning for more.

faqs: Demystifying the Labubu Phenomenon

Here are key questions and answers.

Are Labubu dolls a good investment?

The investment potential varies. Some limited editions have increased in value, but it’s not guaranteed.

How can I identify a fake Labubu doll?

inspect the packaging and the figure’s quality,and compare it with pictures of authentic Labubus. Purchase from authorized retailers.

Do I need to collect a full set to enjoy Labubu?

No, the joy comes from the surprise of opening a blind box. Owning any labubu can be a fun experience.

Where can I buy Labubu dolls?

Authorized retailers include Pop Mart stores and online marketplaces.

What makes a Labubu “chaser” so valuable?

Limited production runs and desirable designs lead to high demand,making chaser figures valuable.