Quick Read
- Pop Mart halts Labubu doll sales in UK stores due to safety concerns.
- Fights and long queues reported as fans camp overnight for the dolls.
- Labubu dolls gained popularity after celebrity endorsements, including BLACKPINK’s Lisa.
- Resale market for Labubu dolls described as a ‘battlefield,’ with prices soaring.
- Pop Mart plans to redesign its distribution model for fairer access.
Pop Mart Halts Labubu Sales Amid Growing Safety Concerns
The UK has witnessed an unprecedented frenzy over Pop Mart’s Labubu dolls, prompting the Chinese toy company to halt sales in all its UK stores until June. Reports of fights breaking out among fans, coupled with long queues and overnight camping outside shops, have raised serious safety concerns. Pop Mart stated that the decision was made to ensure a “safe, fair, and comfortable shopping experience.”
Labubu: From Quirky Collectible to Cultural Phenomenon
Labubu, a furry, snaggletoothed character designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, has rapidly ascended to global fame. Part of Pop Mart’s ‘The Monsters’ series, the dolls are sold in blind boxes, adding an element of surprise for buyers who don’t know which character they’ll receive until the box is opened. This mystery factor, combined with endorsements from celebrities like BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa, has fueled the craze.
Labubu’s appeal lies in its unique design, described as “so ugly it’s cute,” and its connection to nostalgia. Many collectors see the toys as a throwback to their childhoods, while others use them as fashion accessories, attaching them to handbags or keychains. The dolls were even spotted at Paris Fashion Week, solidifying their status as a trendy statement piece.
Resale Market: A “Battlefield” for Collectors
The pause in UK sales has intensified competition in the resale market, which one collector, Ashley Bushey, described as a “battlefield.” A coffee shop supervisor from Northamptonshire, Bushey revealed she has spent over £1,000 on 13 Labubu dolls since December. She frequently searches platforms like TikTok Shop, Vinted, and Facebook groups to expand her collection.
While standard Labubu dolls retail for around £17.50, rare editions can fetch up to £600 on resale platforms. Counterfeit versions, dubbed “Lafufus,” have also entered the market, complicating the buying process. Authentic Labubu dolls are marked with a QR code for verification, but some resellers have been accused of replacing genuine dolls with fakes inside authentic packaging.
Safety Concerns and Fan Frustration
The frenzy reached a boiling point last week at Pop Mart’s Stratford store in London, where fans reported chaotic scenes, including fights and shouting. Some customers camped overnight to secure a spot in line, while others expressed frustration over resellers buying multiple dolls to sell at inflated prices. One fan, Victoria Calvert, described the atmosphere as “unsafe,” noting that she witnessed a physical altercation between a customer and a store employee.
In response, Pop Mart announced its decision to pause sales and redesign its distribution strategy. The company aims to implement a system that provides a fairer chance for fans to purchase the dolls, though details of the new approach have not yet been disclosed. Online sales continue, but the demand remains high, with many fans turning to livestreams and online platforms in hopes of obtaining their desired dolls.
What’s Next for Pop Mart and Labubu Fans?
Pop Mart’s decision to halt sales highlights the challenges of managing a viral product in the age of social media. The company, which has doubled its profits in the past year, is now tasked with balancing fan enthusiasm with safety and fairness. Meanwhile, collectors like Bushey remain undeterred, viewing the hunt for Labubu dolls as part of the fun.
As the craze continues, it’s clear that Labubu has transcended its origins as a niche collectible to become a cultural phenomenon. Whether as a fashion statement or a nostalgic keepsake, Labubu’s charm has captivated fans worldwide, and its popularity shows no signs of waning.
Pop Mart’s efforts to address safety concerns and ensure fair access will be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike. In the meantime, the Labubu craze serves as a fascinating case study in how viral trends can shape consumer behavior and retail practices.
Source: Bbc, Irishnews, Lbc, Bbc