Latest news with #PopMart
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why is everyone hating yet buying the viral Labubu doll, and where can you get it in India?
Imagine an elf, a gremlin, and a macaroon had a chaotic little lovechild, that's Labubu, the creepy doll. With those pointy ears, oversized eyes, and a grin that is equal parts cute and unhinged, this tiny character is the latest obsession that has crept its way out of art books and into the clutches of global pop culture. And plot twist, Labubu has now officially entered India. While many are hating on it, the craze of this doll is not dropping anytime soon, especially in millennials. Who made the Labubu doll? Created by Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung in 2015, Labubu started as a sketch, a giggly, fairy-tale creature inspired by Nordic folklore. Fast forward a decade, and Labubu is not just a doodle, but a full-blown cultural tsunami. From Lisa of BLACKPINK flaunting it on her designer handbag to fashion royalty like Kim K and Rihanna giving it their seal of approval, Labubu is the toy du jour that's slaying your For You page and your wallets. Why is the Labubu doll trending? Part of the whimsical universe called The Monsters, Labubu is actually a girl, though her sharp grin and rogue energy often say otherwise. With over 300 versions in circulation — think glittery, punk, dessert-themed, even One Piece crossovers, Labubu's versatility is one of her biggest flexes. Some even blink. Others sit. Most steal hearts (and coins). Labubu doll sales But here's the real tea: Labubu dolls are sold in blind boxes, which means you do not know which version you are getting until you rip it open like it's Christmas morning. It is giving emotional roulette, and people are addicted. Pop Mart, the Chinese toy brand behind the madness, has made nearly $400 million off Labubu in 2024 alone. If you need Labubu doll clothes, please contact me. #Labubu Where to get Labubu dolls in India, what is its price? Now for the juicy part, where to get her in India. You can find Labubu online on Indian sites like Kalakaar, Hype Fly India, and Crep Dog Crew. Prices start around Rs 5,000, but special editions and plush charms can shoot up to Rs 12,000 or more. Hype Fly even has a Buy One Get One deal, so yes, double the chaos. The demon Labubu and DVa doll 🩷🩷🩷 #Labubu In short, Labubu is not just a toy, she is a vibe, an aesthetic, and now, an accessible Indian obsession. Get ready to hunt, unbox, and join the cult of the cheeky little elf with a devilish smile, and put it on your luxury bag, either to ruin its vibe or to 'just hop on the trend.'
CairoScene
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Labubu Collectables Now Available on Careem in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
The designer toy craze hits new heights as Pop Mart's viral figures get express delivery treatment. May 29, 2025 Labubu, the impish, wide-eyed character from Pop Mart's 'The Monsters' toy line, has taken over schoolyards, TikTok feeds, and now—Careem. The mischievous doll is part of a broader global craze for collectible art toys known as "blind box" figures: small vinyl toys sold in mystery packaging, where the exact character isn't revealed until opened. Originally designed by Hong Kong-based illustrator Kasing Lung, Labubu is one of Pop Mart's most recognisable figures, blending eerie charm with playful collectability. Now, thanks to a new partnership between Pop Mart and Careem, Labubu dolls can be delivered straight to your door in under 20 minutes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The express delivery feature, available through the Careem app, allows customers to skip store queues and avoid long wait times, a relief for parents navigating toy store hype or playground peer pressure.
Gizmodo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
Labubu's Viral Rise Is Getting the Fun Sucked Out by Resellers
The charm of Pop Mart's Labubu, those toothy, big-eyed, ugly-cute creatures, has swept the world with cuteness aggression for the must-have plush accessory. Artist Kasing Lung's enchanting eleven furry fiends inspired by Nordic folklore have captured the hearts of many, including celebrity fans like Lisa, Rihanna, and most recently Madonna. However, things are taking a turn with the rising threat of resellers looking to take the fun out of the Labubu shopping experience. As with any coveted collectible, there's always going to be a resell market. But recently, so many brawls have broken out at Pop Mart locations that the phenomenon has made international news. In the UK, the figures were temporarily pulled from shelves, a direct response to viral videos of fights between flippers and enthusiastic customers, not to mention employees just trying to doing their jobs. All 16 locations in the UK currently do not have the bag charms available as the company assesses how to navigate the situation, explaining to the BBC the pause is intended to 'prevent any potential safety issues.' Similarly in the U.S., the situation is also getting out of hand, and you don't even have to leave your house to feel the frustration. It's already been bad online with flippers setting their bots onto Pop Mart's webpage and app. I can attest to the horrible digital experience; when I attempt to nab some online for my collection, I get crash notifications as well as getting my access limited due to button mashing too much to try to beat the bots while trying the Pop Now! gamified option to buy. Truly, I am over getting this notification when I am a real human person fighting for my life on these Labubu streets: But in-person shopping is also a huge pain in the U.S., and one that's also getting dangerous as resellers prey on collection drop events, turning them into chaotic un-fun experiences. Tense encounters in line, with scuffles breaking out during the recent Big Into Energy release, made it clear that the hostile vibes radiating off the resellers were becoming a big issue. As one Pop Mart employee from the Century City location in Los Angeles told us, 'People were getting into fights in line,' highlighting the safety concerns employees have experienced. They also shared that for the moment, their Labubu inventory would only be available for purchase online for pickup. They didn't know when drops would become available in advance. We get it, but that approach still leaves customers to fight resellers in the digital realm. Pop Mart is currently working to make the shopping experience for collectors better—and it has other concerns, too. The Labubu scarcity has not only have spawned a shifty flipper market, but also a huge fakes industry. 'Lafufus' (faux Labubus) further confuse shoppers, sometimes tricking them into buying fakes for at least double the price of a real one. Pro-tip: if it has more or less than nine teeth, it's a fake! But Lafufu makers are steadily getting better at fooling unsuspecting consumers. In other words, Pop Mart may be enjoying its success, but it's also aware of the challenges that have accompanied the sudden fame of their products. Speaking to the BBC, the company explained that 'Labubu will return to physical stores in June, and we are currently working on a new release mechanism that is better structured and more equitable for everyone involved.' I'm surely not the only one ready for the experience to improve. Getting into and participating in the new collector community Pop Mart has cultivated needs to get back to having a fun and delightful atmosphere. When I was talking to the employee at the location I visited, I had so much fun learning about the lore of not just Labubu but other characters too. Granted, I didn't get to walk away with the Labubu plush I wanted ,as I was not one of the lucky ones to manage to be there during a random online drop—but I did nab one of the acrylic figures from the flocked Lazy Yoga series. That Pop Mart line, as well as the mecha armor Kow Yokoyama are two that I've had more luck finding in store or at the Robo Mart locations. As collectors and fans of the Labubu fantasy lore, I'm excited to be able to better take part in a more positive and enjoyable experience when getting online to buy the latest figure. Like most fans, I still don't have a Big Into Energy Labubu. I've tried all three ways available to try and get one: checking online inventory (always gone), Pop Now! unboxings (button-mash till you get kicked out, yet somehow resellers don't), or waiting and missing location's individual social media stories notifying fans they're online for pick-up in store. A shopping experience separated from the angry frustration of battling it out with resellers is how it should be. Hopefully Labubu fans fans and employees can eventually get back to enjoying the community safely—without the stress of competition or, you know, the risk of bodily harm.
The Independent
18 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Labubus are coming for your handbag — here's how to buy one
Labubu dolls are taking over. There's no question about it. If you're yet to spot one in the wild, it won't be long until you see a small (slightly creepy-looking) fluffy doll adorning a designer handbag. It's Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung to thank for the trend. Inspired by Nordic myths, he created the mystical creatures for his story series The Monsters, which were then turned into the plush dolls we know (or loathe) by Chinese toy company Pop Mart. Characterized by their rabbit-like ears, large eyes, and menacing-looking teeth, Labubus are commonly sold in 'blind boxes' meaning the exact design is chosen at random and remains a mystery until it's unwrapped. While bag charms or cuddly toys aren't anything new, it's hard to ignore the influx in popularity of Labubus which have become a fashion statement loved by the likes of Blackpink's Lisa, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa. But the trend has certainly divided opinion. Those in favor of the small, fluffy monsters though will know that the craze has caused demand to skyrocket, making them increasingly hard to come by — the cost of buying one on a resale platform ranges from $350 but can exceed $1,000. Selling out at lightning speed, you'll find all of the details on where to buy one for yourself below. Where to buy Labubus in the US Constant stock demands mean the Labubu resale market is booming but exercise caution as knockoffs (coined Lafufus) are on the rise. Stock is currently sold out online, but The Independent has reached out to Pop Mart for comment on its release date schedule. What intel the company provides is available on its Instagram, where it states that new releases are available in stores at 10 a.m. Eastern time every Friday and online at 10 p.m. ET every Thursday. That said, it appears that daily drops occur at around 10 p.m. ET. You could also try snagging one on Pop Now where drops happen more frequently, but be prepared to act fast. While there is no guarantee they will have stock, it's also worth trying your local Pop Mart. As it stands, the only figure from The Monsters series available online is a member-exclusive, Pop Bean The Monsters ( The mega Labubu 1000% tony tony chopper ($1,259.90, is said to be available to buy at the Pop Mart store in San Diego, but stock is limited.
NDTV
a day ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
How Labubu Dolls Became The Hottest Accessory Among GenZ And Celebrities
At a Hong Kong studio in 2015, artist Kasing Lung sketched a tiny, mischievous elf-like creature. Inspired by Nordic fairy tales, it had wide eyes and a playful grin. The name was Labubu. A decade later, the simple doodle has exploded into a pop culture phenomenon, captivating celebrities, collectors, and fans across the world. From hidden surprises inside blind boxes to viral TikTok reels starring K-pop stars, Labubu dolls are the latest craze. What Are Labubu Dolls? Labubu is part of Kasing Lung's storybook universe The Monsters, which includes characters like Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, and Pato. Labubu quickly became the breakout star. She is an elf, and in Mr Lung's original books, Labubu is actually a girl. She is distinguished by high-pointed ears, no tail, and a unique face that ranges from innocent to impish. Despite her slightly eerie, toothy grin and kooky expression, Labubu is portrayed as a kind-hearted character. The vibe lies somewhere between the children's picture book Where the Wild Things Are and a mischievous Teletubby. Over the years, Labubu has been reimagined in over 300 variations, in different colours, outfits, sizes, and themes. Labubus In Blind Boxes In 2019, Chinese toy company Pop Mart partnered with Kasing Lung to produce Labubu figures as part of their The Monsters series. These figures are sold in "blind boxes". These sealed boxes offer mystery collectables, meaning you won't know which version of Labubu you have until you open it, creating excitement and high demand among collectors. The series includes various themed collections, such as "Exciting Macaron," "Fall in Wild," and collaborations with brands like Coca-Cola and anime series One Piece. Labubu's popularity also led to the launch of plush pendants, now commonly seen as bag charms. These come in themes like "Tasty Macarons" and "Have A Seat", with adjustable limbs, dessert-inspired names, and expressive faces, from blinking to wide-eyed. Cultural Craze Of Labubu Dolls Walk into any Pop-Mart outlet today, and you will see long queues winding out the door. Some fans line up for hours just to get a crack at the latest Labubu blind box drop. Fuelling this excitement was a viral moment when K-pop band BLACKPINK's Lisa was spotted accessorising her luxury handbags with a Labubu plush. Fellow bandmate Rose followed suit, flaunting a Labubu keyring during a visit to Lisa's place. Celebrities Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Kim Kardashian have all been spotted with Labubu charms on their luxury handbags, turning the quirky toy into a fashion accessory. Even legendary footballer David Beckham was seen with one. Labubu Dolls: Market Impact The soaring demand for Labubu dolls has translated into massive financial gains for Pop Mart. In 2024 alone, the company reported a revenue of $1.8 billion, with Labubu contributing nearly $400 million to that figure. Much of this success is driven by the frenzy around blind box collectables and the resale market, where rare "secret edition" Labubu figures can fetch up to $1,000 on platforms like eBay and StockX.
