Labubu mania: Japanese snack-themed launch draws queue at Ion Orchard from 5.30am

Straits Times

a day ago

The company declined to say how much stock of The Monsters Wacky Mart series is available in stores here. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
Seasoned Labubu fans came prepared with foldable chairs and portable fans as they waited for doors to open at 10am. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
Pop Mart Singapore announced that the "THE MONSTERS Wacky Mart Series" launches in Singapore on June 28. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
SINGAPORE – The launch of snack-themed Labubu dolls drew a queue of some 160 fans at retailer Pop Mart's Ion Orchard store on June 28, with the earliest arrivals reaching before dawn.
First in line was microbiology studen t Sarah C who took her spot at 5.30am. The 25-year-old, who declined to give her last name, said she had made the effort 'because it's Labubu, it's going to be popular'.
The long-time collector, who owns over 30 of the sharp-toothed, fluffy-eared dolls, added: 'It's not so bad today. (Arrving at) 5.30am is considered late for the more popular series.'
The queue for the last Labubu release at the same store in April began at 2am, a Pop Mart part-timer told The Straits Times.
This latest range, called The Monsters Wacky Mart series, launched on the Pop Mart global online store on June 13 and landed in Singapore on June 28. It turns the viral plushies into Japanese convenience store grub – fried shrimp, corn on the cob, a sandwich. Figurines come in 12 designs, plus a 13th rare edition shaped like a microwave oven that buyers have a 1 in 144 chance of getting.
The dolls, sold in blind boxes in which the exact figurine inside is a surprise, are priced at $15.90 each or $190.80 for the full set of 12.
ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
The dolls, sold in blind boxes in which the exact figurine inside is a surprise, are priced at $15.90 each or $190.80 for the full set of 12.
Seasoned Labubu fans came prepared with foldable chairs and portable fans as they waited for doors to open at 10am. The 100th ticket to enter the store was issued at 8.45am.
The launch of a snack-themed Labubu doll drew a queue of some 160 fans at retailer Pop Mart's Ion Orchard store.
ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
Some, like Ms Marife Barria, were there to help others get the goods. The 26-year-old domestic worker said she often queued for Labubu dolls on behalf of her employer, a 47-year-old woman, and had reached around 6am this time.
A woman in her 60s said she was helping her 27-year-old son snag a full set for his girlfriend.
Hype was highest among the mostly adult crowd for a fluffy AirPods case, shaped like shrimp tempura, which can hold Apple's line of wireless earphones. Priced at $34.90, it was the first product in the range to sell out around 11.30am.
First to sell out was a fluffy AirPods case, shaped like shrimp tempura.
ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
Since the launch of the range, the earphones case has been listed on resale websites, with sellers on Chinese platform Taobao asking between $80 and $90 for it.
The limited quantity releases of Labubu dolls has been known to drive up prices on the resale market and even spark brawls. In May, Pop Mart paused sales of the toy in its stores in Britain after some fans came to blows over them.
The company declined to say how much stock of The Monsters Wacky Mart series is available in stores here.
All those in the queue were let into the store before 11.30am and most left clutching bags of merchandise.
ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
Still, there was enough to go around this time. All those in the queue were let into the store before 11.30am.
Most left clutching bags of merchandise. Ms Cindy Tan, a teacher, left the store with her hands full and her 18-year-old son in tow, who helped with the load.
She said: 'Labubu makes me feel special.'
All figurines were snapped up by 2.20pm.
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