Latest news with #Skullpanda
News18
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Video: This Massive Line Outside Pop Mart Melbourne Highlights Labubu Mania
Last Updated: The craze began to grow in Southeast Asia when K-pop icon and White Lotus actress Lisa Manobal was seen carrying a Labubu doll. Hundreds of fans braved Melbourne's freezing weather to line up overnight for a special toy launch. The crowd gathered on Bourke Street, eager to grab limited-edition dolls from Pop Mart's newest store. Pop Mart is a Hong Kong-based company known for its collectable toys, especially the monster-like dolls called Labubus. These toys have become a global sensation, thanks to their rising popularity on TikTok. The craze began to grow in Southeast Asia in April 2024 when K-pop icon and White Lotus actress Lisa Manobal was seen carrying a Labubu doll. Other celebrities, like Rihanna, have also been spotted with them. The new Bourke Street store is the largest Pop Mart outlet in Australia and the only one in the world themed around the popular Skullpanda character. Chinese artist Xiong Miao created Skullpanda. One fan, Amy Sutherland, wore a Skullpanda T-shirt while waiting in line. She said she was thrilled to see a store based on her favourite doll. 'It's just something fun in such a heavy world," Amy shared. 'Staying in touch with my inner child is really important to me." The opening drew people from all over the world. Fans began lining up hours in advance. Brandon Fraser was the first in line after arriving at 2 pm the previous day. He has been collecting the toys for three months and already owns 60 dolls. He spent $1354 during the launch and left with several boxes of merchandise, including an orange Labubu pillow. 'I'm happy. I can't complain," he said, as quoted by the Herald Sun. One major appeal of Pop Mart toys is their packaging. The dolls come in 'Blind Boxes", so buyers don't know which doll they'll get until they open it. This mysterious element drives people to buy more, especially those seeking rare editions. One of the most wanted Labubu dolls is the 'Chestnut Cocoa" from the secret edition. Pop Mart's Australia and New Zealand head, Yuki Wu, called the Melbourne launch an exciting step. 'We're inviting fans to step inside a world they know and love," she said. The store opened at 10 am, with crowds rushing in to collect the exclusive toys. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Axios
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Labubu doll craze could be the hot toy of 2025
A mischievous little monster with fangs is America's must-have toy — causing fans of all ages to line up and resale prices to soar. Meet Labubu, the spiky-eared collectible from China and star of the "cute horror" boom. Why it matters: There were already concerns that President Trump 's trade war would lead to toy shortages and higher prices for the holidays before Labubu became the runaway "hot toy." "Trends can go global so much easier now," Coresight Research CEO Deborah Weinswig tells Axios. "It's like the Cabbage Patch Kids of yesteryear." "It's never great to have one hot toy because then everybody wants it and they can't get it," she said. "And then they'll actually sacrifice spending money on something else." What is a Labubu? Labubu is an elf-like character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. It gained a following through a 2019 collaboration with Chinese toy giant Pop Mart. It's sold in "blind boxes," meaning buyers don't know which figure they'll get, fueling a thrill-of-the-hunt resale culture. Each series includes rare "secret" editions, some of which now resell for thousands of dollars. Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and David Beckham are among the celebrities helping drive the trend by display the dolls on their bags. How much is a Labubu? By the numbers: The retail price for standard Labubu figures that come in blind boxes ranges from $8.99 to $27.99. Larger Labubu plush dolls retail for $40 to $85, while limited editions and special collaborations typically start at $167. Resale and secondary prices are astronomically higher. Where to buy real Labubu dolls State of play: Pop Mart is the official retailer of Labubu dolls. It operates 31 full stores, five pop-up locations and 53 Robo Shop vending machines throughout the U.S., according to its store locator. The Pop Mart website sells Labubu dolls and merchandise, but nearly all 131 items listed this week were out of stock when Axios checked. Authorized resellers sell real Labubu — including Amazon, which has a Pop Mart store, though inventory was nonexistent when Axios searched. The intrigue: Live sales grew 300% month-over-month since March on live marketplace Whatnot, Armand Wilson, the company's vice president of categories and expansion, told Axios. Wilson said watch time on Labubu shows increased more than four-fold in April alone compared to March. What are Skullpanda, Sonny Angel and Smiskis? Zoom in: The blind boxing trend is driving more collectibles with names that sound like they were intentionally made up. Skullpanda also comes from China and is produced by Pop Mart. Sonny Angel and Smiski toys are Japanese imports, created by Dreams Inc., a company rooted in kawaii culture. Gen Z's toy craze The big picture: Millennials and Gen Z adults — aka " kidults" — are fueling the mystery or blind-box craze and reshaping the U.S. toy and collectibles market.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What is Skullpanda? Meet mysterious Pop Mart character that's stealing spotlight from Labubu
While Pop Mart's more popular figures like Labubu first grabbed the spotlight, it's Skullpanda's quiet charm and deeper meaning that are now drawing collectors in. With its mysterious design and thoughtful themes, many are wondering, what exactly is Skullpanda? According to media reports, Skullpanda was created by Chinese designer Xiong Miao, who has a background in film, architecture, and gaming concept art. In 2014, she founded her own creative studio, Beizhai, and later established North Studio, which became the home of Skullpanda. The character was introduced in 2018, with the goal of expressing the concept of 'non-absoluteness', embracing uncertainty without fixed labels. With its skull-shaped helmet, soft braids, and dreamy appearance, Skullpanda reflects ideas of balance, mystery, and transformation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo — brianajpeg (@brianajpeg) Why collectors are obsessed Each Skullpanda series explores a new mood or concept, making every release feel like a fresh piece of art. From traditional Chinese elements to themes like music, dreams, and everyday life, there's a version of Skullpanda to match every collector's taste. Live Events — POPMARTGlobal (@POPMARTGlobal) The blind-box format has added even more excitement. Fans never know exactly which figure they'll get, turning each unboxing into a small adventure, and making rare finds feel even more rewarding. — POPMARTGlobal (@POPMARTGlobal) A figure with meaning As per reports, unlike many toys created just for fun or display, Skullpanda often stirs emotions. It represents more than a cute collectible, it tells stories about identity, creativity, and sometimes even loneliness or hope. Online, Skullpanda fans have built communities where they trade figures, share personal interpretations of the character, and even create original art inspired by it. — darjelinn (@darjelinn) As new series continue to launch, Skullpanda proves that even in a crowded collectibles market, there's still space for thoughtful design and quiet beauty. Inputs from agencies
Economic Times
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Chinese customs seize 144 Pop Mart Labubu blind boxes at Wuhan Tianhe Airport
Wuhan customs officials seized 144 Labubu 3.0 blind boxes from two inbound passengers at Tianhe Airport. The figures, popular collectibles from Pop Mart, were intended for resale. The passengers chose the 'no declaration' lane and admitted to importing the goods for profit. The items are currently being held by customs Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Wuhan customs detain Pop Mart Labubu figures for suspected resale Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Customs officers at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport confiscated 144 Labubu 3.0 blind boxes collectible figures on June 17, from Pop Mart ( after identifying suspicious items during luggage scans. The incident involved two inbound passengers who used the 'no declaration' channel while arriving on a supervised international to a statement from the official WeChat account 'Customs Release,' customs authorities flagged irregular images in the luggage scans. Upon physical inspection, officials found that both individuals had packed large quantities of Pop Mart dolls, 144 units in total, all belonging to the Labubu 3.0 read: Rs 1.5 crore for a doll? The viral rise of Labubu and the madness behind it The passengers stated that the purpose of importing the Labubu figures was to assist others in bringing them into the country, with the intention to resell them for profit. As of now, the detained items have not been released and are being held in accordance with customs regulations Labubu, a product under the Pop Mart IP brand, has gained massive popularity worldwide, with collectors often queuing overnight to secure blind boxes upon release. The Labubu 3.0 series, in particular, has seen strong demand across Asia, making it a target for cross-border resale. Chinese customs regulations require individuals bringing commercial quantities of goods to declare them upon entry. The 'no declaration' channel is reserved for personal-use items within permitted limits. Failure to disclose commercial quantities may result in confiscation, fines, or further legal Mart continues to experience growth across international markets due to the success of IP figures like Labubu, Dimoo, and Skullpanda. The company has responded to increasing demand by expanding its distribution, though unauthorized resales and grey market imports remain ongoing challenges.
The Star
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Feature: Kidults' emotional cravings, not just toys, drive POP MART's popularity
by Xinhua writer Zheng Bofei LONDON, June 1 (Xinhua) -- A crowd of collectors and POP MART fans gathers outside the brand's brightly lit flagship store on Oxford Street, eager to explore its signature blind-box toys, like Skullpanda, Dimoo, and the iconic Labubu, known for its fluffy body and toothy grin. Some had traveled from as far as Southeast Asia and mainland Europe, not just to shop, but to trade art toys, connect with fellow fans, and capture the perfect unboxing moment for TikTok. Once a niche brand in China, POP MART is now one of the fastest-growing cultural phenomena in Europe. Founded in Beijing in 2010, POP MART rose to fame through its original character designs and collaborations with emerging artists. Its IP-driven collectibles, especially the mischievous yet charming Labubu, resonate deeply with fans seeking more than just aesthetic appeal -- they crave emotion, surprise, and connection. "They were never meant to be a money-making madness in a resale market, but a moment in time for adults to become childlike and silly again. Every human deserves to feel that," said Amy-Lee Cowey-Small, a long-time marketing veteran. This emotional pull sets POP MART apart from traditional toy makers. It doesn't merely sell figures -- it sells feelings, rituals, and shared experiences. Central to its appeal is blind-box culture, where buyers don't know which toy they've purchased until they open the box. This "ritualized uncertainty" has resonated strongly with Gen Z and millennial consumers in Europe. On TikTok and Instagram, influencers regularly post unboxing videos, turning these toys into cultural symbols of identity and self-expression. POP MART's design philosophy blends Asian aesthetics with Western art influences, creating figures that feel both familiar and refreshingly new. This multicultural style has drawn attention from celebrities like Madonna Louise Ciccone and British TV personality Olivia Attwood, further embedding POP MART in Europe's creative mainstream. Since opening its first UK store in Soho in 2022, POP MART has rapidly expanded across the country, with stores now in Oxford Street, Manchester, Westfield Stratford, Cambridge, and Birmingham. By the end of 2025, it expects to operate 17 standalone stores in Britain, not including its rapidly growing network of roboshops. According to the company's European retail head, over 90 percent of its customer base in Britain now consists of local Britons and Europeans. "This is no longer a niche brand for the Asian diaspora," said Scarlett Zhao, POP MART's head of marketing, Europe. "We've gone mainstream." As demand continues to rise, Zhao rejected claims that the company is deliberately limiting supply to create hype. "We're often asked whether the limited availability of our plush toys is intentional, but the answer is no -- we do not engage in scarcity marketing. Our production is guided by long-term demand forecasting and brand planning rhythms to provide consumers with high-quality and consistent product experiences," Zhao said. "Plush toys require intricate craftsmanship and a strong attention to detail, which naturally calls for careful planning and production time. We prioritize craftsmanship and customer experience -- not scarcity as a marketing tactic," Zhao added. POP MART is now developing an online lottery system to reduce onsite congestion and deter scalper activity in Britain and France. POP MART isn't alone in riding the wave of China's collectible boom. Brands like TOPTOY launched by MINISO are also expanding across Asia and the Middle East, though TOPTOY focuses on licensed IPs like Disney and Naruto, rather than original characters. As Chinese collectible brands grow in prominence, their appeal is beginning to win over prestigious Western retailers. Zhao said luxury venues like Harrods were initially reluctant to take a chance on an unfamiliar Chinese brand. But that changed quickly. "As our IPs gained international visibility and our customer base expanded across Europe, conversations with prestigious partners naturally evolved into long-term collaborations," said Zhao. "Today, we're proud to be part of a new wave of cultural brands that Harrods and other top-tier retailers are embracing," she added. For consumers like Ma and Serena, both in their twenties, POP MART has become a lifestyle. "Once I got one, I got obsessed," said Ma. "And I told my friend Serena to get one too." "I saw an influencer open a blind box on Instagram. I went to the store the next day," said Serena. "That was it. I'm hooked." This growing community of collectors, many of whom kidults, isn't just chasing rare toys -- they're discovering shared joy, nostalgia, and pocket-sized companions through a distinctly modern cultural language.
