Latest news with #PopMartLabubu
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Fake Labubu dolls seized after Trading Standards warning
The viral plush toys – quirky fang-toothed 'monster elf' figures made popular by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart – have become a global collector's craze. This popularity has fuelled a surge in fakes, many being sold by third-party sellers via online marketplaces and local shops that are breaking the law. Trading Standards teams have seized thousands of unsafe counterfeit Labubu dolls in recent weeks. In just one month, over 2,000 were confiscated from 13 retailers in North Tyneside, with further seizures in Greater Manchester, Humberside, North Somerset, and Scotland. Many of these items were discovered after tip-offs from concerned parents. Counterfeit or fake Labubu dolls are poorly made and unsafe. Many contain small, detachable parts such as eyes, hands, and feet, which present a serious choking hazard to young children. Loose stitching and exposed stuffing further increase the risk of suffocation. These fakes often breach the UK's Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, lacking CE or UKCA safety markings, importer details, and required safety warnings. Without proper safety checks, they may also contain toxic substances such as lead, harmful dyes, or banned plasticisers. How to spot a fake Labubu Genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls have a distinctive elf-like design and include authenticity features such as a holographic POP MART sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and - on newer editions - a subtle UV stamp on one foot. Signs of a fake include overly vibrant colours and an incorrect teeth count, with authentic Labubus having nine. These markers are commonly missing or poorly replicated on counterfeit versions. Kerry Nicol, External Affairs Manager at The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), says: 'These dolls are fast becoming the latest must have craze, which is being amplified by social media influencers promoting and showcasing 'unboxing' of the products on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Supply and demand means that legitimate Labubu dolls are almost impossible to find. 'Parents understandably want to be able to get their hands on these toys for their children and rightly expect the toys they buy to be safe, but dangerous counterfeits are finding their way into the market, often being sold by third-party sellers on online marketplaces and from shops on the high street that have no regard for the safety of their customers. 'These fake products bypass the rigorous safety checks and compliance requirements the law demands, meaning they could contain choking hazards, toxic materials, or faulty components that put children at serious risk. "Everyone involved in the supply chain – from manufacturers and fulfilment houses to sellers and marketplaces should have a role to play in ensuring unsafe toys never reach the hands of children.' Recommended reading: What to do if you think you have bought a fake Labubu Inspect packaging carefully – check for a UKCA or CE mark, and make sure the product lists a UK-based importer or manufacturer. Warnings and usage instructions should be present. Look for authenticity markers – genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls feature a holographic sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and (on newer editions) a UV stamp on one foot. Check the product's appearance – overly vibrant colours, poor stitching, or the wrong number of teeth (authentic Labubus have nine) are signs of a fake. Be cautious of 'bargains' – counterfeit toys are often cheaper but may carry serious safety risks, including choking hazards and toxic materials. Buy from reputable retailers and avoid unfamiliar online vendors or third-party sellers on online marketplaces listings. If members of the public are concerned or would like advice, they can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 (England and Wales). In Scotland, contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000, or for Northern Ireland call Consumerline on 0300 123 6262. Christine Heemskerk, CTSI Lead Officer for Product Safety, says: "Fake dolls are poorly made in unsafe manufacturing premises.. Counterfeiters do not follow safety standards and are unlikely to have good factory controls in place. "A fake Labubu doll might contain hazardous chemicals in the plastic which can cause lifetime damage to a child's organs. Small parts such as eyes could easily a serious choking hazard for small children. Beware of putting your child at risk by buying cheap unsafe fakes." Jerry Burnie, Head of Toy Safety at British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA), adds: 'Counterfeit toys are a significant risk as they are unlikely to meet the strict toy safety standards required of the legitimate toy maker. "When shopping for branded items we would always recommend researching the toy brand and try to buy from the company directly or through a reputable retailer who you can easily return the product to. "If you are buying online, particularly through an online marketplace, then include the name of the toy company in the search and compare the listing against the toy company's own website.' The risk for shops and online sellers selling fake Labubus With the Labubu craze showing no signs of slowing, businesses and collectors alike must stay informed and protected. Laura Court-Jones, Small Business editor at Bionic, says: 'The rise in counterfeit Labubu figures doesn't just affect collectors, it's a serious risk to businesses as well. 'Stocking or selling fakes, even unintentionally, can damage customer trust and hurt your brand reputation. That's why it's crucial to source responsibly and consider insurance to help protect against damage or theft due to insured events." How to insure your Labubu amid a rise in theft cases With Labubu figures flying off shelves and becoming increasingly rare, a rise in theft has followed. Originally designed as quirky handbag accessories, they've now become so coveted that a TikTok trend jokes about people handing over their entire bag to a thief, but keeping the Labubu.
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Fake Labubu dolls seized after Trading Standards warning
The viral plush toys – quirky fang-toothed 'monster elf' figures made popular by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart – have become a global collector's craze. This popularity has fuelled a surge in fakes, many being sold by third-party sellers via online marketplaces and local shops that are breaking the law. Trading Standards teams have seized thousands of unsafe counterfeit Labubu dolls in recent weeks. In just one month, over 2,000 were confiscated from 13 retailers in North Tyneside, with further seizures in Greater Manchester, Humberside, North Somerset, and Scotland. Many of these items were discovered after tip-offs from concerned parents. Counterfeit or fake Labubu dolls are poorly made and unsafe. Many contain small, detachable parts such as eyes, hands, and feet, which present a serious choking hazard to young children. Loose stitching and exposed stuffing further increase the risk of suffocation. These fakes often breach the UK's Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, lacking CE or UKCA safety markings, importer details, and required safety warnings. Without proper safety checks, they may also contain toxic substances such as lead, harmful dyes, or banned plasticisers. How to spot a fake Labubu Genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls have a distinctive elf-like design and include authenticity features such as a holographic POP MART sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and - on newer editions - a subtle UV stamp on one foot. Signs of a fake include overly vibrant colours and an incorrect teeth count, with authentic Labubus having nine. These markers are commonly missing or poorly replicated on counterfeit versions. Kerry Nicol, External Affairs Manager at The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), says: 'These dolls are fast becoming the latest must have craze, which is being amplified by social media influencers promoting and showcasing 'unboxing' of the products on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Supply and demand means that legitimate Labubu dolls are almost impossible to find. 'Parents understandably want to be able to get their hands on these toys for their children and rightly expect the toys they buy to be safe, but dangerous counterfeits are finding their way into the market, often being sold by third-party sellers on online marketplaces and from shops on the high street that have no regard for the safety of their customers. 'These fake products bypass the rigorous safety checks and compliance requirements the law demands, meaning they could contain choking hazards, toxic materials, or faulty components that put children at serious risk. "Everyone involved in the supply chain – from manufacturers and fulfilment houses to sellers and marketplaces should have a role to play in ensuring unsafe toys never reach the hands of children.' Recommended reading: What to do if you think you have bought a fake Labubu Inspect packaging carefully – check for a UKCA or CE mark, and make sure the product lists a UK-based importer or manufacturer. Warnings and usage instructions should be present. Look for authenticity markers – genuine Pop Mart Labubu dolls feature a holographic sticker, a scannable QR code linking to the official Pop Mart website, and (on newer editions) a UV stamp on one foot. Check the product's appearance – overly vibrant colours, poor stitching, or the wrong number of teeth (authentic Labubus have nine) are signs of a fake. Be cautious of 'bargains' – counterfeit toys are often cheaper but may carry serious safety risks, including choking hazards and toxic materials. Buy from reputable retailers and avoid unfamiliar online vendors or third-party sellers on online marketplaces listings. If members of the public are concerned or would like advice, they can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 (England and Wales). In Scotland, contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000, or for Northern Ireland call Consumerline on 0300 123 6262. Christine Heemskerk, CTSI Lead Officer for Product Safety, says: "Fake dolls are poorly made in unsafe manufacturing premises.. Counterfeiters do not follow safety standards and are unlikely to have good factory controls in place. "A fake Labubu doll might contain hazardous chemicals in the plastic which can cause lifetime damage to a child's organs. Small parts such as eyes could easily a serious choking hazard for small children. Beware of putting your child at risk by buying cheap unsafe fakes." Jerry Burnie, Head of Toy Safety at British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA), adds: 'Counterfeit toys are a significant risk as they are unlikely to meet the strict toy safety standards required of the legitimate toy maker. "When shopping for branded items we would always recommend researching the toy brand and try to buy from the company directly or through a reputable retailer who you can easily return the product to. "If you are buying online, particularly through an online marketplace, then include the name of the toy company in the search and compare the listing against the toy company's own website.' The risk for shops and online sellers selling fake Labubus With the Labubu craze showing no signs of slowing, businesses and collectors alike must stay informed and protected. Laura Court-Jones, Small Business editor at Bionic, says: 'The rise in counterfeit Labubu figures doesn't just affect collectors, it's a serious risk to businesses as well. 'Stocking or selling fakes, even unintentionally, can damage customer trust and hurt your brand reputation. That's why it's crucial to source responsibly and consider insurance to help protect against damage or theft due to insured events." How to insure your Labubu amid a rise in theft cases With Labubu figures flying off shelves and becoming increasingly rare, a rise in theft has followed. Originally designed as quirky handbag accessories, they've now become so coveted that a TikTok trend jokes about people handing over their entire bag to a thief, but keeping the Labubu.
North Wales Chronicle
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Rediscovering Llandudno Pier - 'Pier of the Year 2025'
So with this in mind, we decided it was about time we stepped out, soaked in the sea air, and spent an afternoon treading the boards of Llandudno Pier to rediscover its Victorian charm and stunning views. I haven't explored the pier properly for some time - and never with my young family, so it felt special to finally do it together. Llandudno Pier sign, proudly bearing its new title 'Pier of the Year 2025' (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) From the moment we approached, the place was buzzing. The entrance was packed with visitors, many gathered around the popular Pier Fish and Chips. The aroma of freshly fried fish drifted through the air, leading us towards the Llandudno Pier sign, proudly bearing its new title: Pier of the Year 2025. The popular Pier Fish and Chips (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) We started our visit with some fun at the Leisure Island arcade. Part of it has gone cashless - you now load credit onto a card and tap to play - but the 2p and 10p coin pushers still take coins. We made a beeline for the 2p machines, a nostalgic nod to simpler times. The claw grabber, one of the many machine and games in the front arcade (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) The arcade offers a mix of classics like penny pushers, slot machines and claw grabbers, alongside modern video games and retro favourites such as Space Invaders. The beeps, boops and chatter gave the place a lively energy. Our three-year-old wasn't so interested in feeding coins into the machines, but loved watching the tickets zoom out (these can be exchanged for prizes). We had some success with a game called Sweet Falls and another based on The Simpsons - 'Donut Daze!' Many of the slot machines offer prizes - in one, we even spotted a Pop Mart Labubu doll. Our little boy with a string of tickets (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Afterwards, we began our stroll along the pier itself. Stretching 2,295 feet (700m) into the Irish Sea, it's the longest pier in Wales and the fifth longest in the UK. There is a real mix of shops (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) The walk is lined with a charming mix of stalls and shops: The Puppet Shop, Welsh Gifts & Soft Toys, handmade arts and crafts, Ice Cream Rolls, the Traditional Sweet and Rock Shop, The Crystal Hut, and the vibrantly coloured blue 'Soak' - selling handmade bath bombs, soaps and moisturisers. My little boy was on a mission to find a Frozen bath bomb. Sadly, we didn't find one, but the colourful designs on display were impressive. The pier is home to colourful fairground rides (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Fairground rides dot the pier - from the wave slide and teacups to the inflatable obstacle course and the Runaway Train. We spied a Pop Mart Labubu doll in one of the 10p slot machines in the arcade (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Beside the pier stands the imposing Britannia Grand Hotel - a landmark with a mixed reputation. Reviews on TripAdvisor range from 'once a magnificent Victorian hotel' and 'in need of serious TLC' to "the dirtiest, depressing hotel I've ever stayed in" but the guests keep coming and almost everyone agrees, the location is superb. Despite its reputation, the imposing Grand Hotel continues to attract guests (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) And there's no question that the views from the pier are breathtaking, especially on a sunny day - sweeping across Llandudno Bay, the Great Orme and beyond. Seagulls swoop and hover, ever hopeful for a snack - one reason we locals avoid the outside benches when eating. We know better. Dave L Vaughan was performing (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) At the far end of the pier, the Deck Arcade awaits, alongside the Ocean Bar. On the day we visited, singer and guitarist Dave L Vaughan was performing. The table and benches outside the bar were full - visitors sipped drinks, basked in the sunshine and relaxed into the music. Soak opened on Llandudno Pier earlier this year (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) We rounded off our afternoon with a ride on the Pier View Ferris Wheel. At £14 for two adults, a three-year-old and a baby, it felt like good value. Designed and manufactured by the famous Lamborghini company in Italy, the wheel stands an impressive 70 feet tall with 18 gondolas, each seating up to six people. As we slowly rose above the pier, the calm sea spread out beneath us. We paused to take in the viewv (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) But the best part wasn't the view - it was seeing Sebastian's face light up as the gondola climbed higher. Wide-eyed and grinning, he said that he felt 'just like Skye from Paw Patrol!' It was a pure, unfiltered moment of childhood excitement that made the ride even more memorable for us all. By nightfall, the Ferris Wheel's 10,000 lights glow brilliantly against the dark sky. The Pier Ferris Wheel which stands an impressive 70 feet tall (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) We had a glimpse of these lights and they shone gently as we enjoyed our ride. Our visit reminded me why Llandudno Pier continues to capture the hearts of both tourists and residents. It's more than a Victorian relic - it's a living, breathing slice of seaside life, where nostalgia and modern fun meet against a backdrop of sea air and stunning views. Sometimes, the best adventures are right on your doorstep - you just have to make the time to enjoy them. Llandudno Pier has been nominated for a national award and is a finalist for Oceanic Awards' 7th Welsh Hospitality Awards 2025. They have been shortlisted under the category - 'Best Day Out' and are up against Bodnant Garden and Talyllyn Railway in Tywyn. Results will be revealed during a ceremony on September 10.
Economic Times
21-06-2025
- Economic Times
Tseung Kwan O apartment fire prompts evacuation of 50 residents, one injured
A residential fire broke out at Royal View Bay in Tseung Kwan O, injuring one woman and forcing the evacuation of approximately 50 residents. The fire originated from a unit on Tong Yin Street, reportedly caused by scented candles left burning. Emergency services responded promptly and extinguished the blaze within 30 minutes Thick smoke and flames erupt from a unit at Royal View Bay in Tseung Kwan O, where scented candles are suspected to have caused a fire that injured one and led to the evacuation of 50 residents (AI generated image) Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Scented candle suspected in Tseung Kwan O Royal View Bay fire Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A fire broke out in a residential unit at Royal View Bay on Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O, early Friday morning, June 20, prompting the evacuation of about 50 residents and injuring one to police, the fire was reported at 7:47 a.m. on June 21 by a woman residing at 23 Tong Yin Street. Fire services arrived on scene shortly after and deployed a hose and a smoke helmet team to combat the read: Chinese customs seize 144 Pop Mart Labubu blind boxes at Wuhan Tianhe Airport The fire was contained and fully extinguished by 8:15 a.m. Authorities confirmed that approximately 50 individuals were evacuated from the building as a safety investigations indicate that three individuals, a pair of sisters and a foreign domestic helper, were residing in the affected apartment unit. One of the female residents sustained burns on her forehead and was transported by paramedics to Tseung Kwan O Hospital for circulating online show intense flames and thick black smoke billowing from the affected apartment. It is understood from preliminary reports that the fire originated in the bedroom, where the female occupant is believed to have fallen asleep while scented candles were incident is under investigation by the Fire Services Department and local authorities to determine the precise cause and assess potential fire safety other injuries have been reported, and building services were restored shortly after the fire was extinguished. Emergency response units conducted post-fire safety inspections to ensure the structural integrity of the building and confirmed no immediate danger to other residents.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Time of India
Tseung Kwan O apartment fire prompts evacuation of 50 residents, one injured
Scented candle suspected in Tseung Kwan O Royal View Bay fire Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A fire broke out in a residential unit at Royal View Bay on Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O, early Friday morning, June 20, prompting the evacuation of about 50 residents and injuring one to police, the fire was reported at 7:47 a.m. on June 21 by a woman residing at 23 Tong Yin Street. Fire services arrived on scene shortly after and deployed a hose and a smoke helmet team to combat the read: Chinese customs seize 144 Pop Mart Labubu blind boxes at Wuhan Tianhe Airport The fire was contained and fully extinguished by 8:15 a.m. Authorities confirmed that approximately 50 individuals were evacuated from the building as a safety investigations indicate that three individuals, a pair of sisters and a foreign domestic helper, were residing in the affected apartment unit. One of the female residents sustained burns on her forehead and was transported by paramedics to Tseung Kwan O Hospital for circulating online show intense flames and thick black smoke billowing from the affected apartment. It is understood from preliminary reports that the fire originated in the bedroom, where the female occupant is believed to have fallen asleep while scented candles were incident is under investigation by the Fire Services Department and local authorities to determine the precise cause and assess potential fire safety other injuries have been reported, and building services were restored shortly after the fire was extinguished. Emergency response units conducted post-fire safety inspections to ensure the structural integrity of the building and confirmed no immediate danger to other residents.
