Glasgow parents buying 'anti-theft device' for kids' dolls

Glasgow Times

4 days ago

The Labubu dolls, which have shot to viral fame on TikTok, have seen people queuing for hours in the Barras to try and buy one.
Never Miss a Gift is the only stall at the famous East End market selling the dolls, which have become a global phenomenon.
And they've now revealed they've had to find a solution for parents as there's been a shocking increase in 'thefts in schools' of the creepy-cute accessories.
READ MORE: The inside story of queues at Glasgow's Barras over Labubu craze
Never Miss a Gift said: "Sadly, over the last few weeks, there has been a small number of parents who have come to purchase replacement Labubus as their kids have had them stolen at school.
"We know only too well that these collectable Labubu Dolls are so expensive, and if they are stolen, it causes so much distress for the kids and doubles the expense.
"We looked to source a device that could make stealing the Labubu's more difficult, and we are happy to say we found, purchased and tried out this super little product that really does work.
"We will have them for sale at our Barras Market Shop and also on our website."
A Labubu Macaron doll on its moped (Image: Newsquest/Colin Mearns)
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The 'Anti-Theft Labubu Coil Device' wraps around the clasp, which is usually used to attach the doll to a bag.
Never Miss a Gift says they have tried and tested the device and that it "also looks good on the pendant," so it won't ruin the look of the designer doll.
Three generations help stock and sell from the family-run stall, which has rocketed to success since opening in the market last year.
Speaking to us about the demand for the dolls last month, they said: "The queues start at around 7am and are right out the door.
"We've had to start limiting sales to one per customer so that less people are disappointed.
'I told my daughter we should start handing out tickets, but she said that was too far.
'It's really sad to see people upset when we run out, but we just can't keep up with the demand.
'We usually only get this busy at Christmas, so it's nice to have such a buzz about the place at this time of year.'
Glasgow parents buying 'anti-theft devices' for kids' dolls (Image: Newsquest/Colin Mearns)
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There are two main types of Labubu, the Have a Seat and the Macaron, with the newer Big Into Energy series due in stock soon.
With the Barras only open from 10am until 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays, there's always huge demand for the sprite-like creatures, which they describe as 'creepy cute'.
Part of the appeal also lies in the element of surprise - Labubu dolls are sold in 'surprise boxes', meaning you don't know which character you'll get until you unwrap it.
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This fuels the 'addictive' nature of the collectables and the stall says: 'The minute people get one, they want them all.
"I would put them in the same bracket as when my daughter was into Cabbage Patch Dolls or my son was into Ninja Turtles".
The rarest of 'The Monsters' even fetch 'thousands of pounds' when resold online.
Labubu come from the imagination of Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung, who credits their inspiration to folk tales from Norway.
Made by Japan-based Pop Mart, the company has seen their profits rise by 188 per cent in the past year.