Labubu mania: How a quirky doll made Pop Mart a global giant
A small toy with big eyes, messy hair, and a wide toothy smile is taking the world by storm, and helping build a billion-dollar empire along the way. Meet Labubu, the odd-looking but loveable doll that's become a social media sensation, a collector's dream, and the crown jewel of China's booming toy brand, Pop Mart.FROM QUIRKY COLLECTABLE TO GLOBAL SENSATIONLabubu is not just a toy, it's a trend. Created by artist, Kasing Lung, the quirky doll started off as a character in a picture book inspired by Nordic mythology. It later became part of a blind box toy series launched by Pop Mart in 2019. Blind boxes are sealed packs that don't reveal what's inside until you open them, a surprise that fans, especially Gen Z and millennials, find hard to resist.advertisementSince then, Labubu has gone viral. From unboxing videos on TikTok to appearances on the arms of celebrities like BLACKPINK's Lisa, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa, the toy has become a pop culture icon. Some limited-edition versions even sell for six-figure prices in resale markets.POP MART'S RISE WITH LABUBU
Founded in 2010 by Wang Ning, Pop Mart began as a small shop in Beijing selling comics and phone covers. But once Wang noticed the growing love for designer toys, he switched focus. First came the Molly doll, but it was Labubu that truly changed the game.Pop Mart went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in late 2020, and its shares have jumped more than 500% in the last year, according to the BBC.The value of Pop Mart's Hong Kong-listed shares has soared three times this year, exceeding HKD $270 (US $34.40), as per Forbes.advertisementThe company now operates stores across Asia and ships toys worldwide. It's not just seen as a toy brand anymore; Pop Mart is compared to fashion and luxury labels for the cult-like loyalty of its fans.WANG NING: NOW AMONG THE RICHEST PEOPLE IN CHINAAt the heart of this success is Pop Mart's 38-year-old founder Wang Ning, now one of China's top 10 richest people. As of June 2025, he's worth $22.7 billion, according to Forbes, all thanks to Labubu.Wang spotted the potential of mixing art, surprise, and collectability early on. His company's focus on emotional connection and design has turned small plastic toys into status symbols.WHY EVERYONE WANTS A LABUBULabubu's charm lies in its story and design. Originally featured in the 2015 book series The Monsters Trilogy, which draws from Nordic myths, Labubu is portrayed by Pop Mart as a kind-hearted, elf-like creature who tries to help but often causes unintended chaos.The dolls are made in various seasonal and limited-edition styles, which makes collecting them even more exciting.Adding to the buzz are 'secret' editions, super-rare versions with only a 1-in-72 chance of appearing in a blind box. These often become collector gold, fetching thousands online.The doll even made an appearance at Paris Fashion Week, further blurring the lines between toys and fashion.A TOY THAT'S MORE THAN JUST A TOYadvertisementWhat started as a niche book character has grown into a global sensation, sparking queues outside stores, a trading frenzy online, and a whole new category of luxury collectables. Labubu isn't just a toy, it's a movement, and it's showing no signs of slowing down.With Pop Mart's soaring valuation and Wang Ning's rising fortune, one thing is clear: this bug-eyed doll has become a billion-dollar force in the world of business, fashion, and fun.- Ends
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Did The Simpsons Predict The Rise Of Labubu? This Video Claims So
Last Updated: Labubu dolls have been in the trend, becoming a fashion symbol among celebrities and the young generation. With the Labubu trend becoming a global phenomenon, there has been a huge surge in demand over the past months. The plush toys, which could not have cost more than a few dollars, have now turned into a luxury thanks to celebrities and social media. From being carried as designer arm candy to the youth making it a street-style staple, the toys have clearly become a fashion symbol. Labubu was born from the brain of Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung, seemingly making its appearance around 2015. With such unexpected popularity, have you ever wondered if the rise of Labubu dolls was predicted? The Simpsons appears to have dropped a hint. In a video going viral on social media, it seems like the iconic animation show had an idea of the trend, even believing that the dolls could possess negative energy. Shared by the Instagram handle of Walt Motivates, the video shows a particular scene from The Simpsons where the family receives a spooky statue as a gift. Unaware of its purpose, Homer started entertaining his kid with the gift, only to get possessed. Next, one can see a series of unusual activities in the room, suggesting the evil presence. The major highlight? The statue has been named Pazuzu—a name rhyming with Labubu. While there seems to be no resemblance between the looks of the statue and the Labubu doll, the fan-made clip leaves a lot of room for discussion. Reacting to the video, while some sounded convinced about the similarities between the two, others wondered if the trendy dolls actually have dark energy. One wrote, 'I freaking knew it!" while another added, 'I knew there was something wrong with this toy. Faces are weird and kind of dark." 'Those figures have a deeper meaning for something really dark. Whether it was channeled or intentional," another comment read. One of the users added, 'The Simpsons has gotten even better than I remember." she labubu on my pazuzu until i — tyler oakley ( (@tyleroakley) June 24, 2025 The video has surfaced at a time when Labubu dolls have already been associated with demons and evil energies. Multiple conspiracy theories are circulating online, with 'spiritual experts' and influencers making the claims. In one instance, a picture of the Labubu was even shared alongside an AI image of the Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu, hinting that the plush toy is a modern-day demon in disguise. First Published:
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Buying a Labubu toy? Here's how to spot a fake
Those wide-eyed little creatures hanging off backpacks or staring out from shelves? They're Labubus and they're absolutely everywhere right now. If you haven't seen one, you probably haven't looked hard enough. Labubus from Pop Mart stores and their online shop often sell out fast, leaving fans to chase them elsewhere. (@LABUBU_0x/ X) These collectible figures from Pop Mart have become a global obsession, and that has made them incredibly hard to buy. Pop Mart stores and their online shop often sell out fast, leaving fans to chase them elsewhere. Once stock dries up, buyers head to Amazon or resellers like StockX — but even then, it's hit or miss. And with the hype comes a big problem: fakes. Known online as 'Lafufus,' these counterfeit toys are showing up more and more. Many look convincing at first glance, but small details reveal which ones are real. StockX is a trusted resale site because it uses a serious verification system to weed out knockoffs. But if you're buying Labubu dolls from other places, like random Amazon listings or independent sellers, the risk goes up. Some buyers don't realize they've bought a fake until it's too late. So how do you tell if your Labubu is the real ? Start with the box. Authentic packaging has a matte, soft feel with dull colors. Real boxes also come with a QR code that takes you straight to Pop Mart's official site. If the code leads somewhere else or redirects after a weird pause it's likely fake. Not all old Labubu models have QR codes, though, so the missing code doesn't always mean trouble. There are more ways to check. First, count the teeth. Every real Labubu has exactly nine sharp teeth. Also Read: What are Labubu dolls? All about internet's latest obsession Real Labubus have a soft peachy tone Next, check the color of its face. Real Labubus have a soft peachy tone. If the color is too orange, pink, or yellow, it might be fake. One of the newest ways Pop Mart is fighting fakes is with a UV stamp. Starting with 2024 releases, official Labubus now have a hidden stamp on the right foot that only shows up under UV light. What you see depends on the series. A 'Have A Seat' Labubu should appear to be sitting in the UV stamp. A 'Macaron' series one should show a standing figure. No stamp at all? It could be an older model or a fake. If you're still shopping for one, the safest option is always Pop Mart itself, either in-store or through their website. But those often sell out in minutes. When that happens, StockX is your next safest bet, known for verifying high-demand products like sneakers and now Labubu dolls, too. Amazon's official Pop Mart listings are another option, but those often go just as quickly. And if you're not careful, it's easy to click on a third-party seller and end up with a fake. Scammers know how popular these toys are, and they're cashing in. So before you buy, know the signs. Nobody wants to pay for a collectible and end up with a cheap knockoff.
