11 hours ago
Labubu's Biggest Threat Is Not Wakuku, or Lafufu
Labubu, an elf-like plush toy with pointy ears and nine serrated teeth, has become a global sensation, worn by celebrities including Rihanna and Dua Lipa. These dolls are sold out in stores from Singapore to London; a human-sized version recently fetched a whopping $150,000 at an auction in Beijing. With all the social media buzz, it's worth asking if we are witnessing the rise of a new-age collectible, or whether Labubu is a mere fad destined to fade.
Investors certainly want to know. Pop Mart International Group Ltd., the Chinese manufacturer behind this trendy toy, has rallied 178% this year. With $43 billion market cap, the company is worth more than twice as much as Sanrio Co. and Mattel Inc. combined, owners of long-time favorites Hello Kitty and Barbie. Last year, Pop Mart's revenue doubled to 13 billion yuan ($1.8 billion), while its gross margin came in at an enviable 67%, roughly twice as profitable as a generic toymaker. The company generated 4 billion yuan in operating profit, versus 1 billion yuan in 2023.
