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Time of India
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Spot the fake ones out: Labubu or Lafufu? Fans struggle to identify originals
Labubu fans around the world are struggling to keep up with a growing wave of fakes, known as "Lafufus," dolls that look just like the real thing. These knock-offs are fooling even the most alert collectors, despite Pop Mart's efforts to stop the spread. Pop Mart, the Beijing-based brand behind the popular Labubu dolls, uses QR codes and barcode checks to confirm if a toy is genuine. But as one Chennai-based content creator found out, even these steps aren't always enough. 'I had picked up a Labubu for myself and had done an unboxing video which got a lot of views,' said the creator, who did not want to be named. 'I thought it would be fun to do a video with my whole family unboxing their Labubus, so I picked up a pack of six. We did an unboxing video and even authenticated the product," ET quoted the influencer. She followed Pop Mart's instructions by scanning the QR code and entering the barcode digits. Her toys passed the test. But later, an eagle-eyed collector noticed something was off, the website itself was fake, and her toys were actually Lafufus. Even though she later replaced the fake with a real Labubu, she took it in her stride. 'Lafufus have their own fan base too!' she said. Labubu dolls, small figures with pointy ears, big eyes, and nine-toothed grins, first appeared in 2019 and quickly became a craze. Sold in 'blind boxes,' these toys cost between $20 and $30 but can fetch much higher prices. One life-sized version recently sold at a Beijing auction for a record $150,000 (about Rs 1.28 crore). As demand soars, so does the counterfeit trade. Last month, Chinese customs seized over 46,000 fake Labubu toys. State media warned of a growing black market hurting both consumers and creators. Pop Mart's sales have skyrocketed thanks to Labubu's popularity. Since going public in Hong Kong in 2020, the company's founder Wang Ning has become one of China's top ten billionaires, with a net worth of $22 billion. But Lafufus are gaining ground. They cost as little as $7.50 and are seen by many as a cheaper way to join the trend. 'The fakes have become so good,' said Abbas Zaveri, founder of HypeFly, a marketplace for sneakers and collectibles told ET. 'Things that customers could look out for is that the heads of the lafufus tend to be very flimsy and the font on the box generally is embossed but the quality on the boxes of fakes tend to be sub-par.' Zaveri further added that despite the original pack for 6 costs more than Rs 24,000, some Indian websites are selling it for just Rs 9,000. Nikhil Jain, who runs City Kicks India, believes the problem is widespread. 'About 70–80% of the dolls in the Indian market are Lafufus,' he said. 'The site URL had subtle misspellings like "Pop Mari" or "Poap Mart" which are good tell-tale signs for this fraud. There are some marketplaces that have had to set up a team to authenticate their products because earlier they sold them as originals and customers figured out that they were being charged for an original but received a lafufu instead. ' The issue isn't limited to India. In Scotland, consumer group Advice Direct Scotland warned that fake Labubus are tricking families and upsetting children. 'These counterfeits are not only deceiving collectors and draining hard-earned money from families, but they are also leaving children heartbroken,' said Hazel Knowles, consumer project lead at the organisation. 'We urge consumers to be vigilant, buy only from trusted retailers and report suspected fakes.' Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Associated Press
03-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
lululemon, SKIMS, On Running now available to buy in India on HypeFly - with a 100% Authenticity Guarantee
HypeFly India today announced the arrival of three internationally sought-after brands - lululemon, SKIMS, and On Running - on its online store. 'This isn't just about creating hype for the sake of it, it's about recognizing what the Indian consumer wants. They are savvy, discerning, and eager to engage with brands that speak to their values.' — Abbas Ali Zaveri, Co-founder, HypeFly MUMBAI, INDIA, March 3, 2025 / / -- HypeFly India today announced the arrival of three internationally sought-after brands - lululemon, SKIMS, and On Running - on its online store. This marks the first time these brands will be accessible to Indian shoppers through a single destination, offering authenticity, quality, and a seamless shopping experience. The expansion is a further testament to HypeFly's continued efforts in closing the gap between international lifestyle movements and India's fashion-first customers. HypeFly seeks to enable consumers to discover styles and performance-driven products that meet their active lifestyles and personal interests, without sacrificing trust or accessibility. Indian consumers have increasingly turned to global brands to express their individuality in the 21st century, whether through fitness, everyday wear, or curated aesthetics. However, accessibility hurdles - from limited availability to concerns about authenticity - have often made this challenging. HypeFly addresses these gaps by offering a reliable, straightforward way to shop products that resonate with global trends while prioritizing transparency and convenience. All 3 brands are now available for purchase on HypeFly India. lululemon is known for its technical athletic apparel; SKIMS, celebrated for its inclusive approach to shapewear and loungewear. On Running is also available to buy now on HypeFly India. The Swiss-engineered footwear brand has been redefining performance and design, each catering to distinct yet overlapping audience. Their arrival on HypeFly signals a shift in how Indian shoppers engage with international labels: no longer limited by geography, but empowered by choice. HypeFly's approach goes beyond transactional retail. The platform emphasizes curation, ensuring that each brand's ethos - whether it's lululemon's mindfulness-driven design, SKIMS' focus on versatility, or On Running's innovation in movement - is communicated clearly to shoppers. Detailed product descriptions, size guides tailored for Indian body types, and localized customer support underscore this commitment. 'This isn't about creating hype for the sake of it,' says Abbas Zaveri, Co-founder of HypeFly India. 'It's about recognizing that Indian consumers are savvy, discerning, and eager to engage with brands that speak to their values. Our role is to simplify that connection. When someone chooses HypeFly, they're choosing assurance - that what they're buying is authentic, that it's been thoughtfully selected, and that it's delivered without the usual friction.' Why bring these specific brands to the Indian audience? Lululemon is a favorite among fitness enthusiasts and casualwear adopters alike, and merges functionality with understated style. From high-performance leggings to breathable tops, the brand's emphasis on quality and sustainability aligns with the preferences of India's growing wellness community. When we talk about SKIMS (check out HypeFly's SKIMS collection here), founded by Kim Kardashian, it has redefined shapewear and loungewear with its inclusive sizing and neutral tones. Its arrival taps into India's burgeoning demand for versatile basics that prioritize comfort without sacrificing aesthetics. And finally, On Running - a coveted shoe among runners! With its signature CloudTec® technology, On Running has become synonymous with lightweight, responsive footwear. The brand's entry meets the needs of runners and urban explorers seeking cutting-edge design. For shoppers navigating a crowded market of resellers and unofficial sellers, authenticity remains a top concern. HypeFly mitigates this by sourcing directly from authorized channels, ensuring products meet brand specifications. Each item undergoes rigorous quality checks before reaching customers, a process that aligns with HypeFly's broader mission to build trust in cross-border shopping. The introduction of lululemon, SKIMS, and On Running is part of HypeFly's broader roadmap to expand its catalog with brands that cater to niche interests and mainstream demand alike. Future plans include enhanced virtual try-on features, sustainability initiatives, and community-driven campaigns that spotlight how customers integrate these products into their daily lives. HypeFly India is a modern sneakers and streetwear platform designed for the next generation of Indian shoppers. By curating global brands and prioritizing accessibility, authenticity, and education, HypeFly serves as a bridge between international trends and local demand. The platform's focus on seamless logistics, customer-centric policies, and a clutter-free shopping experience has positioned it as a trusted destination for consumers seeking to explore beyond borders. Prashant Rao Other
