Labubu, a palm-sized plush toy with sharp teeth and a cult following, has become a toy too popular to sell. After chaotic scenes of queueing, crowd surges and reported fights, distributor Pop Mart has suspended all in-store sales of the collectible across the United Kingdom. “Due to the increasing demand for our beloved Labubus, we’ve seen a significant rise in customer turnout on restock days — with long queues forming outside our stores and Roboshops (self-service stores),” the Chinese-based toy company wrote in an Instagram post Tuesday. “To ensure the safety and comfort of everyone, we will temporarily pause all in-store and roboshop sales of THE MONSTERS plush toys until further notice.” Online sales, however, will continue as usual, it added. Labubu is the brainchild of Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung, and it has quietly built a loyal following since its 2015 debut. But in recent months, the bunny-bodied, elf-faced creature — equal parts grotesque and adorable — has soared in popularity. Stars including Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Lisa from Blackpink have worn the toys like charms, and they were were even spotted at Paris Fashion Week this year. The effect is evident in the numbers, as Pop Mart is enjoying meteoric growth both at home in China and overseas. In 2024, Pop Mart’s revenue outside China skyrocketed 375.2% to 5.07 billion yuan ($700 million). Labubus alone generated 3 billion yuan ($420 million) of the company’s 13.04 billion yuan ($1.8 billion) total revenue last year. Across TikTok, content featuring Labubus ranges from euphoric unboxings to clips of brawls outside stores. The hashtag “Labubu” now carries more than 1.4 million posts, and on resale platforms such as StockX the plushies are fetching hundreds of dollars, compared with a standard retail price of up to $85. For some, the frenzy has tipped into absurdity. “Don’t risk your life for a Labubu,” read the caption on one TikTok video from Victoria Calvert. The video — now viewed more than 100,000 times — captured the escalating chaos at a Pop Mart location in London. “There’s people in balaclavas running to the front,” she said in the video, warning others to stay away. Calvert told CNN that she “left pretty quickly” when people “started to shout names to each other and fight.” “That’s when I realized it was a dangerous situation,” she added. While some describe such scenes of chaos with a hint of disbelief, others see an upside for Pop Mart in the mayhem. Sarah Johnson, founder and director of UK-based retail consultancy Flourish Retail, told CNN the suspension of in-store sales may be about more than just crowd control. “Pop Mart pulling Labubus from UK stores seems like a precautionary move to de-escalate the in-store frenzy and protect both their brand and customers,” she told CNN. “At the same time, this kind of decision keeps the product in the spotlight and adds to the sense of scarcity, which only drives further interest and attention online.” And nowhere is that more visible than on TikTok, Johnson added, where “a single video showing a long queue, an unboxing or someone finding a ‘rare’ item can go viral in minutes and suddenly everyone wants it.” In today’s market, she said, “TikTok has essentially become the new high street window — except it’s open 24/7 and has global reach.” A contestant from the ITV reality show “Love Island” revealed Tuesday that she had ended up “in a fight” with a woman in a shop over the sought-after plushies. Mal Nicol said she had queued up at a London branch of Pop Mart to bag a Labubu for her 11-year-old cousin’s birthday. But Nicol, who has two of the toys herself, was left enraged by a customer nearby. “This b*tch, she bought five, she bought five. It’s actually ridiculous,” Nicol said on TikTok. “Did I really just get in a fight with someone at Pop Mart? Yes, I did. Yes, I did,” she said.
Sales of viral plush toy Labubu halted in UK stores after reports of brawls
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Pop Mart Suspends Labubu Plush Toy Sales in UK Amid Safety Concerns"
CNN
7.2
TruthLens AI Summary
Sales of the popular plush toy Labubu have been suspended in UK stores following reports of chaotic scenes, including crowd surges and brawls among customers eager to purchase the collectibles. Distributor Pop Mart announced the decision via Instagram, citing the need to ensure safety and comfort for all customers amid increasing demand. The surge in popularity of Labubu, a toy designed by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung, has been significant, especially after being endorsed by celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa. Despite the in-store sales halt, online purchases will continue as usual, allowing fans to still acquire the plush toys without the risk of physical confrontations. The plush toy has gained a cult following since its introduction in 2015, and its demand has skyrocketed recently, with sales numbers reflecting a 375.2% increase in revenue outside China for Pop Mart, attributed largely to Labubu sales.
The frenzy surrounding Labubu has translated into viral content on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where videos showcasing unboxings and store chaos have gone viral. The hashtag "Labubu" has amassed over 1.4 million posts, with resale prices reaching hundreds of dollars, significantly above the retail price. While some view the situation with disbelief, retail experts suggest that the decision to halt in-store sales may also serve to heighten interest and maintain the product's desirability. Sarah Johnson, a retail consultant, highlighted that such moves can create a sense of scarcity, driving further online attention. The chaotic scenes have been documented by various customers, including a contestant from the reality show "Love Island," who shared her experience of getting into a confrontation over the sought-after toys. As the popularity of Labubu continues to grow, the implications for both consumer behavior and retail strategies remain significant.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The report highlights a significant issue surrounding the viral plush toy Labubu, which has gained immense popularity but has also led to chaotic scenes in stores across the UK. The decision by distributor Pop Mart to halt in-store sales underscores the challenges faced by companies when demand outpaces supply, particularly for trendy items.
Public Perception and Safety Concerns
The article aims to inform the public about the potential dangers associated with the overwhelming popularity of Labubu, emphasizing instances of brawls and chaos during restocks. This narrative seeks to instill a sense of caution among consumers while underscoring the need for safety measures in retail environments. The mention of celebrities endorsing the toy also adds to the public's fascination, as it highlights the cultural phenomenon surrounding Labubu and its appeal among younger audiences.
Underlying Issues or Concealed Messages
While the article primarily focuses on the toy's popularity and safety concerns, it may also indirectly reflect broader societal issues regarding consumer culture and the lengths individuals will go to obtain trendy items. The frenzy surrounding Labubu could be a commentary on materialism and the social pressures to partake in viral trends. There is no clear indication that the article is hiding important information, but it does present a scenario that could lead to discussions about consumer behavior.
Manipulative Elements
There are elements in the article that may induce a sense of urgency or fear regarding the toy's popularity, which could be seen as manipulative. Phrases emphasizing chaos and danger could sway public opinion towards a more cautious approach to consumerism. The language used draws attention to the absurdity of risking safety for a toy, which may resonate with readers and influence their perception of the product and its market.
Credibility and Reliability
The information presented appears credible, as it includes statistics regarding Pop Mart's revenue and mentions real incidents. The involvement of well-known figures adds to the authenticity of the claims. However, the portrayal of consumer behavior may exaggerate the level of danger, which could affect the overall reliability of the narrative.
Cultural and Economic Impact
The frenzy surrounding Labubu reflects a growing trend in collectible items and could potentially influence consumer behavior in the toy industry. This could lead retailers to rethink their strategies when it comes to stocking popular items. The article may resonate more with younger audiences who are heavily influenced by social media and celebrity culture.
Market Implications
In terms of market impact, companies involved in toy manufacturing and retail may need to adapt to the rapid changes in consumer demand highlighted by this report. Stocks related to Pop Mart or similar companies may experience fluctuations due to recent events, as investor sentiment could be swayed by the chaos surrounding the toy.
Global Power Dynamics and Trends
The report does not directly address global power dynamics, but it does highlight the influence of Asian markets in the toy industry. The growing popularity of Labubu may reflect shifting trends in consumer interests towards products emerging from regions like China.
AI Involvement in the Writing Process
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence played a role in the writing of this article, though AI models could have been used to analyze trends or gather data. The writing style appears consistent with human journalism, focusing on storytelling and evoking emotional responses from readers.
The article serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of consumerism while highlighting the cultural significance of Labubu. Overall, it effectively addresses the implications of viral trends in retail, although it could be seen as sensationalizing the chaos for dramatic effect.