Latest news with #Popmart
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Opinion: The craze behind blind boxes
Blind boxes have existed for decades. Whether it be trinkets in Kinder Surprise Eggs, keychains inside bright colored plastic balls from coin slot machines, or action figures in the bottom of a Happy Meal box, blind boxes were a staple in many childhoods. However, it seems as though blind boxes have reemerged in teenage and even middle-aged trends with the rise of Sonny Angels, Smiskis, Labubus, and more. What started as an innocent excitement over unboxing a small keychain or trinket has morphed into an obsession with collecting and opening more and more figurines that are notably much more costly than the surprise toys from our childhood years. According to Yue Wang, an assistant professor at USC, with these blind boxes averaging about 20-30 US dollars, it is no wonder why Popmart, a popular China-based figurine-selling company, has a net worth of approximately $22.7 billion. But what about these blind boxes causes people to spend hundreds of dollars on toys? One prominent factor is the role of human curiosity. The images of the different versions of a toy that a consumer can receive add to the experience of mystery and suspense when revealing what is inside. According to consumer psychologist Xiyun Gong, this appeal of mystery stimulates interest, and curiosity influences a consumer's incentive to buy the blind box. However, curiosity alone does not cause a global trend. In addition to blind boxes being incredibly intriguing, they have also become incredibly popular. Across all platforms of social media, you can watch thousands of videos of people unboxing their surprise figurine. With all of these popular influencers unboxing their new keychains, viewers see the online presences that they look up to all with the same accessory on their purses and bags. After watching a countless number of people form a community over their matching trinkets, it is no wonder that the Vice President of the merchandising company Team SCG referred to these blind boxes as 'not just a plush, [but] a status symbol.' Consequently, because of these connotations of blind boxes, they are not only used for one's own pleasure, but also to satisfy a desire to fit into society. Finally, the designs themselves of Smiskis, Sonny Angels, Skull Pandas, etc. are also attractive as they are a part of what is known as the 'cute market.' Started in the world of kawaii and Japanese culture, many characters such as Sanrio, Pokemon, and Hello Kitty are coveted for their cute faces and designs – and the new wave of blind boxes is no different. Since people find the blank faces of smiskis and the different themed head pieces of sonny angels so adorable, they bring out one's 'inner child,' or the positive, nostalgic emotions and comfort of childhood. This unleashing of the 'inner child' can bring about even more obsessive and emotional attachment to these blind boxes. My own mother has fallen deep into the rabbit hole of blind box nostalgia, even going so far as to dress up her labubu in different outfits depending on which purse she chooses to clip it on for the day. These behaviors may seem completely acceptable to some, even fun or entertaining. However, others view it as embarrassing and look down upon blind box consumers. Whichever way a person falls on this opinion, it is important to note that all good things should be done in moderation. It is true that too much consumerism of a singular merchandise can lead to 'fast fashion' and the discarding of these toys when a person grows tired of them, or the trend dies out. But, blind boxes can genuinely give a person an outlet to receive positive emotions linked with their curiosity and childlike innocence. Kanesaka said that blind boxes are able to ' provide a small way to introduce magic into the ordinary and [allow people] to find community through sharing, trading, and displaying them with other people.' With this quote in mind, the appeal can be seen as understandable. Still, it is wise to tread lightly when interested in the world of blind boxes, before spending too much on one good thing. Related
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Major crackdown on fake Labubu dolls: Urgent warning over 'unsafe' counterfeit collectables flooding UK market with thousands of toys seized across Britain
Labubu dolls have become a global sensation amongst children, teenagers and even the like of major celebrities from Kim Kardashian to Rihanna. However, such high demand for the viral collectables, sold by Chinese toymaker Popmart, has seen UK markets flooded with 'unsafe' counterfeits. The Chartered Trading Standards (CTSI) Institute are warning parents and collectors about fakes being sold illegally by third-party sellers online and inside local shops. Their teams have seized thousands of unsafe counterfeit Labubu dolls in recent weeks - with many even being reported to them by concerned parents. 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. Fake Labubus are poorly made and 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. They are also deemed unsafe due to many of them containing 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. Genuine Labubu dolls from Pop Mart have a distinctive elf-like design and include authenticity markers, including a holographic Pop Mart sticker and a scannable QR code linking to their official website. Pop Mart has even started putting a subtle UV stamp on one foot of newer editions to combat fakes. Signs of a fake include overly vibrant colours and too many teeth - authentic Labubus only have nine. These markers are commonly missing or poorly replicated on counterfeit dolls. CTSI has issued advise to consumers who still want to collect Labubus but want to avoid dangerous fakes. Before buying, make sure you inspect the 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 visible on the box. Check for authenticity markers, especially the UV stamp on the Labubus feet on recent releases. Under UV light, you should see a silhouette of the specific model. Inspect the appearance and compare it to pictures of genuine dolls - be wary of any poorly done stitching, overly bright colours and too many teeth. Don't be won over by 'bargains' as counterfeits are often cheaper than the real deal. The figures retail from around £17.50, but price varies depending on size, edition and rarity - with some fetching up to thousands of pounds from resellers. The best way to make sure you're buying genuine Labubus is to purchase them straight from Pop Mart either in store or online. Kerry Nicol, External Affairs Manager at CTSI, said: '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 highstreet 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.' Christine Heemskerk, CTSI Lead Officer for Product Safety, said: '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 detach posing 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), said: '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 grinning toys have been inspired by the illustrated book series The Monsters, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, in which Labubus are a tribe of female elves. They have become the must-have item for thousands of young adults, teens and children. A major part of the appeal is that buying one is a bit of a gamble as many of them come in 'blind boxes' - meaning customers don't know which colour Labubu they have until they open it. Some are rarer than others or more sought after and there are 'surprise' editions which are even harder to come by. Many people queue up outside Pop Mart locations for up to five hours on days they are releasing a new series of dolls just to get their hands on one or resell them on for a higher price. In May, a mass brawl broke out between a group of shoppers who were trying to get their hands on the viral Labubu toys. Shocking footage shared on social media showed several men hurling punches at one another as security guards and others desperately tried to separate them. The group had supposedly been trying to purchase some Labubu dolls at a Pop Mart store in Stratford's Westfield shopping centre when the chaos erupted. It is not the first time the Labubus sparked violence among fans of the furry fashion accessory, with one woman also telling the BBC she witnessed a fight between a worker and a shopper in the same store. Pop Mart then announced it would pull all of its Labubu plushies from its 16 UK stores until June to 'prevent any potential safety issues'. At the time, the company told the BBC this was 'not the kind of customer experience it aimed to offer' and promised the dolls would 'return to physical stores' next month as they work on a 'new release mechanism'.
Daily Mirror
12-08-2025
- Daily Mirror
Urgent warning over 'Labubu dolls' with dark hidden detail that can kill
As the Labubu craze continues, Trading Standards has issued a stark warning over dangerous counterfeits which have been seized in some parts of the country, urging shoppers not to be tempted by the 'bargain' fake To the bemusement of many, trend-conscious sorts have this year become obsessed with Labubu dolls - cheeky-looking, sharp-toothed plushies which can be fastened to upmarket designer handbags with ease. The quirky bag charms have been flying off the shelves this summer, with this writer having witnessed queues around the corner at the Manchester Popmart store. It's perhaps therefore unsurprising that consumers have looked elsewhere, opting for so-called 'Lafufus' instead of the real deal. However, those looking to get their hands on these coveted 'It girl' accessories at a snip of the price have been issued a serious warning by Trading Standards, with some counterfeit items posing a worrying health risk to children. North East Lincolnshire Council's Trading Standards officers have now urged parents and businesses alike to keep a careful eye out for potentially dangerous imitation toys spotted on the shelves of local shops. It's understood that these risky counterfeits contain loose parts that could well pose a choking hazard to young children. These products also don't bear the legally required safety labelling, such as the CE or UKCA mark, or the name and address of a UK-based supplier. A number of seized products were also found to have poor quality visible stitching, with hands or feet breaking away easily. Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, has issued the following statement: 'We are issuing this urgent warning to consumers, to remain vigilant when purchasing these highly sought-after collectables and to report any concerns about the safety of toys they have bought or seen on sale to us. 'These copycat toys have been flooding the UK market and have found their way to North East Lincolnshire too. As they are often cheaper, they might seem like a bargain compared to the genuine versions; however, they can be dangerous if they have not been manufactured in accordance with stringent toy safety legislation. 'Our Trading Standards officers are constantly on the lookout for products which contravene safety legislation, and they will continue their diligent work to ensure counterfeit and unsafe products are removed from the North East Lincolnshire marketplace.' This comes as business insurance comparison site Bionic issues a helpful guide to advise whether you're looking at a real deal Labubu, or a fake 'Lafufu'. As previously reported by the Mirror, there are four telling factors to bear in mind: Packaging quality - Genuine Labubus arrive in high-quality packaging with sharp printing, embossed logos, and secure seals. If the box is flimsy, or poorly printed, this is a huge red flag. Finish and detail - Real Labubu figures have clean, precise detailing and consistent paintwork, while counterfeits will often have sloppy paint, uneven edges, or inaccurate proportions. Branding and stamps - Look out for the official Pop Mart and Kasing Lung markings. This includes serial numbers or authenticity stamps, which are usually located on the base or packaging. Pricing - Make sure to check out the price. If a listing is notably cheaper than market value, then you're likely not looking at an authentic product.
CNBC
11-08-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Trend lifespans: Comparing Labubu to K-pop, Hello Kitty or Frozen
Michelle Cheng, Goldman Sachs' Co-head of Asia Consumer Research, dives into the phenomenon behind global sensation Labubu, and why there is a frenzy behind Popmart's IPs. She says Popmart's continued growth depends on a strong product portfolio, and not all trends manage to go the distance.
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Brain Rot, Gamification, Crowdsourcing and The Labubu Fad
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 08: A guest wears brown coat, white blouse, orange Hermes bag with a bag charm ... More brown Labubu monster, grey pants outside the Hermes fashion show during the Womenswear Fall/Winter 2025/2026 as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 08, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by) From the iPhone to the Birkin bag, marketing is replete with examples of must have accessories that spark a buying frenzy. In 2025, the fad collectible is a Labubu. Labubus are little plush monster toys, made by Chinese manufacturer Popmart, specifically marked at adults. While the Labubus may seem like yet another fad, there are important lessons about the interconnectedness of brain rot marketing, gamification and crowdsourcing that impact how we shop and live. Storytelling and Brain Rot Marketing LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 2: A man holds a phone, displaying word of ''brain rot'', as the ... More Oxford Dictionary has chosen the word, which refers to the unnecessary and entertaining use of social media, as the word of the year in London, United Kingdom on December 2, 2024. (Photo by Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu via Getty Images) The Oxford English Dictionary defined 'Brain rot' as the supposed deterioration of a person's mental or intellectual state, as a result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging. Generative AI tools make it easy to create content such as memes that are designed to go viral. Labubu with its limited time drops and blind boxes taps into the phenomenon of brain rot marketing, especially by appealing to the elements of surprise and scarcity. The popularity of such brainrot content has sparked concerns from marketers about AI generated slop drowning out legitimate marketing campaigns and even leading to a brand safety crisis. But as the Labubu craze shows, companies can tap into the power of storytelling and cultivating an authentic brand identity. Labubus are sold in a blind box, so consumers don't know what they get till they open the box. With celebrities and pop culture icons showcasing their Labubu collections on social media, Labubu has become a cult toy especially with Gen Z. PopMart has very few retail locations in the US and toys are sold out very quickly online. Fans obsessively track PopMart's limited time 'drops' or online releases as well as PopMart's livestreams on TikTok. Consumers are also relying on social media platforms such as Reddit to get advice on where to buy Labubus and be a part of the community. Each Labubu is part of a collection, so it is naturally limited or unique. This gives consumers a sense of connection when they open one. Critical to Labubu's appeal is that the product itself is viral. The unboxing format is designed for TikTok's algorithm, i.e., to maximize engagement. Short, suspenseful videos with clear emotional payoffs (surprise, disappointment, excitement) are known to generate higher engagement rates. There are thousands of TikTok videos that mention Labubus, with users showing off their collections, unboxing experiences, and styling their Labubus as fashion accessories. Since each toy is a collectible, each unboxing experience is designed to go viral. This is an important lesson to leaders that engineering virality as part of product design may be more effective in peer-to-peer promotion than making a product first and coming up with a marketing strategy later approach. Gamification PopMart has gamified the shopping experience – creating the anticipation, building a community of loyal users and encouraging repeat purchases – but the manner in which they do so offers lessons for leaders. The blind box marketing creates a lottery-like experience where buyers don't know which variant of the Labubu they are likely to receive. The psychological principle - variable ratio reinforcement –is similar to the reward reinforcement mechanism underlying slot machines. The toys are released in series with multiple variants, colors, and limited editions. Consumers can feel compelled to buy more Labubus to complete a collection. PopMart seems to have grasped the intersection between gamification and virality. The blind box model transforms shopping into gambling, but more importantly, it makes the purchase itself into shareable content. Every unboxing becomes potential viral material, turning customers into unpaid marketing agents. The randomness means there's always a chance of hitting the jackpot variant that generates massive views. The important lesson for leaders is to understand the virtuous cycle of engagement and how to create multiple levels of engagement. Some consumers are casual buyers, while others are dedicated to the brand. The Labubu blind box and gamified experience creates separate categories of dedicated collectors, traders, and community members who help others in their quest to find a Labubu. This in turn transforms individual shopping into collaborative experiences. Marketers and leaders have long grappled with how to encourage community participation, leaderboards that foster friendly competition, and exclusive access levels that members can unlock together. PopMart is a great example of a positive feedback loop where increased customer interaction leads to strengthening community participation. The layering of engagement types is also a pointer to leaders that they should think beyond individual transactions and consider how their products can facilitate social connections, shared experiences, and user-generated content. Crowdsourcing SPAIN - 2022/11/29: In this photo illustration, the Reddit social media App seen displayed on a ... More smartphone. (Photo Illustration by Davide Bonaldo/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Though these collectibles Initially acquired popularity through influencers on TikTok, the hype is also sustained by the communities of users that help each other discover where to buy Labubus. This is an important lesson to leaders about how online communities can provide emotional support and connection. Increasingly, people turn to platforms like Reddit, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, etc. for advice about almost every aspect of life. Labubu collecting has spawned online communities where people share hauls, trade items, and discuss strategies. These communities create belonging and shared identity around the collecting activity, making it more engaging than solitary consumption. The rarity system also enables a robust trading ecosystem. Collectors engage in complex exchanges, negotiations, and marketplace activities that feel game-like. Hunting for deals or trading duplicates adds strategic elements beyond simple purchasing. Labubu demonstrates Reddit's unique power as a platform for creating sustained communities of users. On the Reddit community r/Labubu — which has 92,000 members — fans not only share photos of their collections, but they also trade tips and tricks about how to snag the elusive dolls for themselves. Three Lessons for Leaders Labubu's success in leveraging brainrot marketing, crowdsourcing and gamification offers three lessons for leaders:
