Walk into a collectibles store in Tokyo, Paris, or New York right now, and chances are you’ll be met with one familiar figure: a mischievous-looking creature with pointy ears, bulging eyes, and a smirk that’s hard to ignore. That’s Labubu, and it’s not just another toy—it’s become a phenomenon.

From sell-out launches to stock market spikes, Labubu PopMart is riding a cultural and commercial wave in 2025 that few anticipated. Whether you're a casual fan or hunting down a rare Labubu doll, this character has become impossible to overlook.

The Origins of Labubu

Labubu is a character created by the renowned Hong Kong-based art duo Kasing Lung and How2Work, later popularized through Labubu PopMart, China’s blind-box toy giant. First introduced in the late 2010s, Labubu is part of the “Monster Family” series. It’s not conventionally cute; rather, it combines fantasy, folklore, and a touch of gothic playfulness—traits that made it stand out early on.

Over time, its slightly grotesque yet endearing look captured the imagination of collectors, especially in Asia. But in recent years, Labubu's appeal has transcended regional borders and entered the global mainstream. From Tokyo to Labubu Singapore fan meetups, international collectors now scramble to get their hands on limited editions—especially themed figures like the Labubu Macaron or the seasonal Labubu Coca Cola collaboration.

Why Is Labubu Selling Out in 2025?

A number of factors—economic, cultural, and digital—are colliding to create the perfect storm behind Labubu’s red-hot demand:

1. Cultural Export & Influencer Visibility

In 2025, Labubu has achieved what few toys can: global cultural crossover. A notable boost came when K-pop megastar Lisa from BLACKPINK casually featured a rare Labubu blind box figure during an Instagram Live in late 2024. The clip went viral overnight, sparking a 60% surge in keyword searches for “Labubu toy” across Southeast Asia and Europe.

Following that, European fashion figures like Emma Chamberlain and Japanese designer Verdy showcased Labubu dolls in their creative spaces, framing them as part of the modern “aesthetic collectible” movement.

2. Emotional Nostalgia & Aesthetic Identity

For many young adults, Labubu represents something nostalgic yet fresh—a counterbalance to highly polished, mass-manufactured pop culture. In a time when consumers crave “weird but lovable” characters that feel unique, Labubu ticks all the boxes. According to a Q1 2025 survey by Mintel, 32% of Gen Z collectors globally now prefer ‘non-traditional’ toys with emotional or artistic edge, and Labubu PopMart ranked third on their preference list.

3. Scarcity & Limited Editions

Scarcity marketing is at the core of Labubu PopMart’s strategy. Each Labubu blind box release is wrapped in mystery, meaning buyers don’t know which version they’ll get. Ultra-rare variants—such as the “Chocolate Labubu,” the Labubu Macaron, or the exclusive Labubu Coca Cola edition—have seen resale prices surge over 600% on platforms like StockX and eBay. That perceived rarity only adds to the hype and speculation.

4. Gamification & Digital Echo

Labubu’s rise also aligns with broader trends in gamification and digital community hype. Fans trade, unbox, and showcase their figures on platforms like TikTok and Xiaohongshu, fueling a cycle where social sharing becomes part of the ownership value. The #Labubu hashtag has garnered over 180 million views globally in the past six months alone. Many collectors in Labubu Singapore and beyond share tips for spotting fakes and finding rare pulls, especially from newer Labubu blind box drops.

Market Movements: What Labubu Hints at in the Bigger Picture

The Labubu PopMart craze hasn’t just impacted toy shelves—it’s sent ripples through the financial world. Pop Mart’s share price surged by over 30% between February and May 2025, boosted by record-breaking global sales and successful expansion into North American and European pop-up stores.

What’s even more telling is the secondary market behavior. A standard Labubu doll originally priced at $12–$15 is now regularly reselling for $60 to $200, depending on the edition. Limited-edition figures like the Labubu Dark Forest Chase, Labubu Coca Cola, or Labubu Ice Cream Monster have seen auction prices soar past $1,000, particularly on platforms like eBay, StockX, and collectible-specific marketplaces such as Dewu (得物) and Grailed.

In some cases, fans are buying boxes by the dozen to increase their odds of finding a rare pull—only to flip the items within hours at marked-up rates. This has drawn comparisons to sneaker drops or crypto-like speculation, with collectors forming Discord groups and Telegram channels just to track Labubu blind box release rumors and market values. Some of these channels now include real-time pricing bots and stock alerts.

While we’re not suggesting specific investment strategies, the Labubu phenomenon makes it clear that IP-based collectibles are increasingly treated as speculative assets, and the rapid turnover of figures in the aftermarket is blurring the line between fandom and financial behavior. The designer toy market as a whole is expected to reach $35 billion globally by 2027, with Asia as the most dynamic growth engine, according to Deloitte.

For business owners and product innovators, Labubu is a reminder that emotionally resonant, visually distinct IPs can create entire micro-economies—especially when scarcity, storytelling, and social virality intersect.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Buzz

Labubu’s wildfire success is equal parts art, emotion, and savvy marketing. But it's worth examining the other side of the coin. Critics argue that the Labubu blind box model promotes overconsumption, especially among younger fans eager to “complete the set.” Environmental concerns are also rising—plastic-heavy packaging and mass production for limited editions don’t always align with the sustainable values many brands are striving for.

That said, Labubu also reflects a deeper shift: a global craving for individuality in mass culture. In a world where everything is algorithmically optimized and aesthetically polished, Labubu's quirky imperfection is oddly comforting—and commercially potent.

For brand owners, designers, and even product developers, Labubu serves as a case study in how niche artistry can become mainstream currency when the right cultural, emotional, and digital forces align.