Latest news with #Popmart
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Labubu Envy: Fluffy Collectibles Steal the Show During China's 618 Online Shopping Festival
SHANGHAI —This year's 618, China's largest midyear online shopping festival, had a noticeably subdued tone as shoppers continued to sober up from splurging and stockpiling due to an uncertain economic outlook and a softer growth prospect following April's tariff agreements with the U.S. However, that sentiment was offset by a wave of Labubu frenzy that pushed limited-edition collectibles to sell out within minutes. More from WWD Alibaba Shares Dip Despite E-commerce, AI growth in Q4 Taobao and Tmall Deepen Ties With Xiaohongshu Via Cross-platform Shopping Function Alibaba Makes AI-driven Comeback, Revenue Jumps 8% On June 18, Labubu's parent company, Popmart, launched its first livestream on the Alibaba-owned cross-border e-commerce platform AliExpress, which attracted over 220,000 viewers. All 500 items, including the company's most recognizable fluffy creatures — Labubu, Cry Baby, Baby Molly, and Skullpanda — sold out in a flash. According to Tmall, the 'toys and trendy collectibles' category saw six brands — including Paper Presented, Popmart, MiHoYo, Disney Store, Jellycat, and Lego — exceed the 600 million renminbi, or $83.4 million, sales mark. Dubbed 'sneakers for the Gen-Z generation,' the broader 'fandom goods' category has created 17 stock keeping units that exceeded 10 million renminbi, or $1.39 million, during the 618 period. According to data from Statista, China's trendy toys market is expected to reach 110 billion yuan, or over $15 billion, by 2026. A recent report by Zhongtai Securities revealed that homegrown character-based toys — fueled by a booming subculture — have already outsold Japanese anime toys during this year's 618 shopping festival. 'Over 60 Chinese and foreign films are set to hit theaters this summer, which is bound to create fresh momentum for IP-related merchandise,' the report added. 'It's over-the-top, 'proclaimed Tmall's star livestreamer Austin Li during a recent broadcast, urging shoppers to steer clear of the hype. 'It's overpriced, it's a no, the prices will come down,' he added. Still, it was up to Li and the platform he lives on to revive enthusiasm around 618 amid waning consumer confidence. This year, major e-commerce players such as and Tmall simply canceled complicated sales mechanisms and began offering straightforward discounts and a wide array of coupons. According to data from Syntun, this year's 618 sales totaled 855.6 billion renminbi, or $119 billion, an increase of 15.2 percent year-on-year. However, the data took into account a week's extension compared to 2024. Two years ago, Chinese e-commerce players stopped unveiling official 618 sales results. Instead, touted the 'explosive increase' in the number of purchasing users, which more than doubled year-over-year. At Taobao and Tmall, sales 'remained resilient,' with 453 brands surpassing the 100 million renminbi, or $13.9 million, mark in terms of gross merchandise value. 'The unusually early campaign start on May 13 caught many consumers off guard, leading to a first wave that some missed entirely, which may have temporarily dampened engagement. That may contribute to a feeling that this year's 618 felt more subdued, but we're still expecting solid GMV growth for the festival,' said Jacob Cooke, chief executive officer and founder at WPIC, a Beijing-based e-commerce consulting agency. Cooke expects this year's Singles' Day to follow a similar path as 618, with an extended timeline and consistent discount mechanisms. 'We're seeing a shift away from flash sales and gimmicks toward simplified pricing, loyalty-driven engagement, and full-funnel marketing strategies,' said Cooke. 'Tmall's emphasis on its 88VIP program, for example, shows a clear pivot toward retaining high-value consumers,' said Cooke of its membership program that also spans other platforms within the Alibaba ecosystem, such as the food delivery app Eleme, the travel booking site Fliggy, and the video streaming platform Youku. With governmental subsidies that cover categories such as home appliances and digital products, sales of these categories rose 283 percent year-over-year during the the first leg of the promotional period, which ran from early May to May 30, according to data from Moojing Market Intelligence. The apparel segment, which contributed around 50 percent of total 618 sales, rose 7.2 percent during the May period, trailing by 6.8 percent year-over-year growth in the beauty category, according to Moojing. Best of WWD Macy's Is Closing 66 Stores in 2025 — Here's the List, Live Updates Inside the Demise of Lord & Taylor COVID-19 Spikes Elevate Retail Concerns
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Labubu Envy: Fluffy Collectibles Steal the Show During China's 618 Online Shopping Festival
SHANGHAI —This year's 618, China's largest midyear online shopping festival, had a noticeably subdued tone as shoppers continued to sober up from splurging and stockpiling due to an uncertain economic outlook and a softer growth prospect following April's tariff agreements with the U.S. However, that sentiment was offset by a wave of Labubu frenzy that pushed limited-edition collectibles to sell out within minutes. More from WWD Alibaba Shares Dip Despite E-commerce, AI growth in Q4 Taobao and Tmall Deepen Ties With Xiaohongshu Via Cross-platform Shopping Function Alibaba Makes AI-driven Comeback, Revenue Jumps 8% On June 18, Labubu's parent company, Popmart, launched its first livestream on the Alibaba-owned cross-border e-commerce platform AliExpress, which attracted over 220,000 viewers. All 500 items, including the company's most recognizable fluffy creatures — Labubu, Cry Baby, Baby Molly, and Skullpanda — sold out in a flash. According to Tmall, the 'toys and trendy collectibles' category saw six brands — including Paper Presented, Popmart, MiHoYo, Disney Store, Jellycat, and Lego — exceed the 600 million renminbi, or $83.4 million, sales mark. Dubbed 'sneakers for the Gen-Z generation,' the broader 'fandom goods' category has created 17 stock keeping units that exceeded 10 million renminbi, or $1.39 million, during the 618 period. According to data from Statista, China's trendy toys market is expected to reach 110 billion yuan, or over $15 billion, by 2026. A recent report by Zhongtai Securities revealed that homegrown character-based toys — fueled by a booming subculture — have already outsold Japanese anime toys during this year's 618 shopping festival. 'Over 60 Chinese and foreign films are set to hit theaters this summer, which is bound to create fresh momentum for IP-related merchandise,' the report added. 'It's over-the-top, 'proclaimed Tmall's star livestreamer Austin Li during a recent broadcast, urging shoppers to steer clear of the hype. 'It's overpriced, it's a no, the prices will come down,' he added. Still, it was up to Li and the platform he lives on to revive enthusiasm around 618 amid waning consumer confidence. This year, major e-commerce players such as and Tmall simply canceled complicated sales mechanisms and began offering straightforward discounts and a wide array of coupons. According to data from Syntun, this year's 618 sales totaled 855.6 billion renminbi, or $119 billion, an increase of 15.2 percent year-on-year. However, the data took into account a week's extension compared to 2024. Two years ago, Chinese e-commerce players stopped unveiling official 618 sales results. Instead, touted the 'explosive increase' in the number of purchasing users, which more than doubled year-over-year. At Taobao and Tmall, sales 'remained resilient,' with 453 brands surpassing the 100 million renminbi, or $13.9 million, mark in terms of gross merchandise value. 'The unusually early campaign start on May 13 caught many consumers off guard, leading to a first wave that some missed entirely, which may have temporarily dampened engagement. That may contribute to a feeling that this year's 618 felt more subdued, but we're still expecting solid GMV growth for the festival,' said Jacob Cooke, chief executive officer and founder at WPIC, a Beijing-based e-commerce consulting agency. Cooke expects this year's Singles' Day to follow a similar path as 618, with an extended timeline and consistent discount mechanisms. 'We're seeing a shift away from flash sales and gimmicks toward simplified pricing, loyalty-driven engagement, and full-funnel marketing strategies,' said Cooke. 'Tmall's emphasis on its 88VIP program, for example, shows a clear pivot toward retaining high-value consumers,' said Cooke of its membership program that also spans other platforms within the Alibaba ecosystem, such as the food delivery app Eleme, the travel booking site Fliggy, and the video streaming platform Youku. With governmental subsidies that cover categories such as home appliances and digital products, sales of these categories rose 283 percent year-over-year during the the first leg of the promotional period, which ran from early May to May 30, according to data from Moojing Market Intelligence. The apparel segment, which contributed around 50 percent of total 618 sales, rose 7.2 percent during the May period, trailing by 6.8 percent year-over-year growth in the beauty category, according to Moojing. Best of WWD Macy's Is Closing 66 Stores in 2025 — Here's the List, Live Updates Inside the Demise of Lord & Taylor COVID-19 Spikes Elevate Retail Concerns
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Labubus might be sold out but these Jelly Cat bag charms are just as cute (and you can buy them now)
I'm not sure what's in the air, but it seems that adults right now are obsessing over, well - soft toys. If you've been on the internet at any time over the past two months, it's likely you've come across Labubus, a hyped-up collectable created by Hong Kong-based artist, Kasing Lung. The cute yet somewhat creepy-looking collectibles have been around since 2015, though they recently boomed in popularity thanks, in part, to ex-Love Island star Olivia Attwod's obsession with the toy. With many choosing to sport Labubus on their designer bags and using the collectible as a fashion accessory, the internet has officially gone Labubu crazy, with some resellers asking for as much as £350 for the rarer versions (which retail anywhere between £17.50 to £30). If you've finally seen the light and want a Labubu to call your own, you might have missed the boat (unless you want to spend hundreds on a resale platform). Though counterfeit versions of the figures are readily available, authorised sellers such as Popmart, Harrods and Selfridges have had to temporarily pause in-store sales of Labubus following safety concerns after fights broke out in-store (yes, really). Not to worry, though, if you need your collectible fix or want to accessorize your bag with an equally as cute toy, we've got good news - Jellycat has a wide-range of adorable bag charms and accessories, so you can bedazzle your bags until your heart's content. From adorable croissants to Clyde the cheeky capybara, here's the Jellycat bag charms we're adding to cart ASAP - and you should, too, if you want to fill the Labubu-shaped hole in your life. Run, don't walk! Jellycat Amuseable Pretzel Charm Plush Keyring Another food-inspired design that we can't get enough of, this playful pretzel charm is ideal for girls on the go. The silver-tone claw clip means that the character is ready to be clipped on to your favourite bag, purse or set of keys, and the playful design will delight your inner child. So much cuter than a Labubu. £23 Shop Jellycat Amuseables Banana Bag Who needs practicality when the bag is this cute? The perfect option for storing your smaller must-haves (lipgloss, check, keys, check), this Banana Bag will soon become an unlikely favourite within your handbag collection. Sure to add a whimsical touch to any outfit, this playful design will certainly turn heads - and we're obsessed. £29.99 Shop Jellycat Amuseables Storm Cloud Bag A must-have for fashion lovers, this storm cloud bag is the perfect combination of fashionable and cute. Large enough to fit your phone and a few other small essentials, this design boasts a sad looking rain cloud that's sure to brighten up your day (pun intended). £29.95 Shop Jellycat Bartholomew Bear Soft Woven Tote Bag Take your Jellycat obsession one step further with this super sweet tote bag - large enough to fit all of your day-to-day essentials (including a 13 or 14 inch laptop - because who said you can't wear a Jellycat bag to the office?). Hand wash-friendly for easy maintenance, with easy-to-carry top handles, this might just be the it-girl bag of the season! £75 Shop Jellycat Amuseable Avocado Bag Charm Another firm favourite from the Amuseable collection, this charm is perfect for the avocado lovers amongst you. With a smiling face and bold green hue, this cheeky chap will make a welcome addition to any bag or set of keys (and you definitely won't lose the latter again). £23 Shop Jellycat Bartholomew Bear Bag Charm If you can't get your hands on a Labubu, this Bartholomew Bear bag charm is the next best thing (in fact, we think it might be even cuter). With soft, honey brown fur, this charm strikes the perfect balance between chic and playful - and customers have rated it '10/10 for cuteness and quality'. £23 Shop
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fake Labubu Identity: How to identify if your Labubu is fake or real?
So, you finally got your hands on one of those little gremlins everyone on social media is obsessed with? You own a Labubu. Congrats! But wait, is it the real deal or did you accidentally adopt a knockoff cousin called Lafufu? Yes, the Popmart viral sensation has officially hit collector chaos levels. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now And like all good things that blow up online, the fakes have come flooding in faster than you can say 'limited edition.' If you're staring at your new plush monster wondering whether it's a fashion-forward icon or a sneaky imposter - don't worry, we have got you. Let's break it down. What even is a Labubu? Labubu isn't just a weird little elf-beast thing. She (yes, she - according to the OG children's books by Kasing Lung) is the star of The Monsters series and has become a fashion-forward freaky-cute collectible thanks to a collab with Chinese retail giant Popmart. Think big buggy eyes, crocodile teeth, and a dash of chaotic energy. Throw in a blind-box unboxing experience and a rare-chase factor (1 in 72 boxes has an ultra-rare piece!) and you've got a recipe for instant Instagram clout. Even celebs like Dua Lipa and Rihanna are toting Labubus around like they're the new Birkins. So of course… chaos ensued. Enter: The Lafufu Because the internet can't have nice things without bootleg versions popping up, we now have Lafufus. These are fake Labubus. Kinda cute, kinda wonky, and definitely causing confusion. They're being sold all over online marketplaces often for dirt cheap. But here's the thing: not all knockoffs are evil. Some people actually prefer their Lafufus. More on that in a sec. How to spot a fake (aka Lafufu vs Labubu) If your Labubu came with side-eye and an iffy-looking foot, don't panic just yet. Here's how to suss out whether your monster baby is legit or living a lie: Packaging Real Labubus come in Popmart-branded box with a scannable QR code. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Lafufus are often sold in a plastic bag that looks like it once held leftover noodles. Red flag. Details Authentic Labubus have pretty little touches - tiny blush, UV-reactive foot markings, tiny hands. Lafufus? Blobs with hair. Look out for weird fur, missing limbs, or one eye higher than the other. Build quality Labubus might have slight imperfections (hey, they're handmade), but Lafufus can be wild. We're talking floppy legs, weird fur textures, and paint jobs that scream 'art class at age 5.' Price check Found one for under £10? It's almost definitely a Lafufu. Legit Labubus are usually £25 and up, especially if they're rare or part of a collector's set. Okay but, should you even buy a Lafufu? Here's the hot take: Maybe? We're not gonna shame you for choosing the budget-friendly option, especially when Labubu resale prices are reaching iPhone levels (INR 2,89,000). If you don't care about QR codes or collectible street cred, Lafufus are actually (kinda) great. Creative playground Some collectors buy Lafufus just to customize them. They repaint, fluff, shave, stitch outfits—you name it. It's like Build-a-Bear meets chaotic art therapy. Affordable entry into the fandom If you're Labubu-curious but don't want to drop half your paycheck on a doll with a snarl, Lafufu lets you join the monster party without financial regret. Just be honest about what you're getting. Don't fall for listings pretending to be real Popmart goods when they're clearly not. If it says 'Labubu' but shows up looking like it had a rough night in the washing machine - you've got yourself a Lafufu. Real or fake, love your weird little monster At the end of the day, whether your toy is a certified collectible or a rogue Lafufu with a slightly lopsided grin, it's still a part of the culture. What matters is that you love it. Labubu or Lafufu, real or remix, just make sure you're buying from legit sellers, managing your expectations, and maybe not spending your rent money on a monster in a box. (Unless you really want to. No judgment.) And hey, if Rihanna can rock one, so can you. Even if yours cost £9.99 (INR 1,100) and came with a mystery odor. Want more tips on spotting fakes or customizing your Lafufu into a punk-rock icon? Just holler, Labubu world is wild, and we are here for the chaos.
Time Out
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Labubu 3.0 is being released via lucky draw in Hong Kong
Just as we thought Hongkongers' attention spans were shifting more towards other collectibles like Crybaby, Pucky, or Chiikawa, Labubu returns to grab us all by the throat once again. Popmart is launching the third edition of their globally famous Labubu series on April 25, and here's how you might get first dibs. Since Popmart is a Chinese brand, they've already dropped the goods for the mainland Chinese market online on the evening of April 24. As you might expect of viral items, the plushie monsters have already been seen on second-hand shopping platforms like Carousell with wildly inflated prices – the blind boxes cost RMB99 on the official website, but are being sold for as much as HK$1,500 at the moment. Buying Labubu 3.0 in Hong Kong is slightly different, as sales will be conducted via lottery. Hongkongers have until noon on April 25 to sign up on Popmart for their lottery, and the results will be announced at 5pm the same day. Chosen customers will then need to physically go to their pre-chosen Popmart store by 9pm on Saturday, April 26, to make their purchases. We are also unable to buy singular Labubu blind boxes and must purchase a carton of six in one go, priced at $720. Each customer can only buy one carton. Following on from the viral pastel-coloured plushies of version one's 'Tasty Macarons' series and the seated version two's 'Have A Seat' series, version three is named 'The Monsters Big Into Energy' series. Featuring tie dye-like gradient colours, the coat of Labubu 3.0 is longer and furrier than previous editions. Its eyes, one tooth, claws, and two-toned ears will also reflect its overall colour scheme. They come in six regular colours – red, light orange, peachy pink and yellow, blue, light green, and purple – while the rare secret colour will be black and grey fur with rainbow eyes and teeth.
