Latest news with #Showcase
National Post
18 hours ago
- Business
- National Post
What is a Labubu? And where can you buy one in Canada?
Article content These days, they're all about viral online trends spanning toys and fan merchandise to novelty foods like Dubai chocolate, specifically targeting the Gen Z consumer. Article content 'We are a data business at our core. We happen to manifest as a retailer, but we are a technology and data company, and so we are tracking data, billions of data points on any given day to try to understand the demand in the marketplace so that we can catch the next big thing,' Kulkarni explains. 'So, over the last 30 years, we've been the first retailer to launch everything from memory foam bedding 20 years ago, before memory foam bedding was a thing, to remote control helicopters, to weighted blankets, to the latest toy sensation or beauty sensation.' Article content Using artificial intelligence to comb social media platforms for up-and-coming trends, Kulkarni says they're now able to 'catch trends' faster than ever. Article content That approach is what allowed Showcase to jump on the Labubu trend early through its ongoing toy partnership with Pop Mart. 'We are the main retailer of Pop Mart products, which include Labubu in Canada,' he says. Article content The Labubu toys at Showcase are priced higher than on the Pop Mart website (in stock for $129.99 on Showcase for the new Big Into Energy Labubu versus sold out and $37.99 on the Pop Mart website). Article content The price increase, according to Kulkarni, is due to the demand and shipping costs. 'We're doing everything we can to try to keep costs reasonable. But it is a difficult environment.' Article content The Showcase executive says new launches appear on their site about two weeks after they launch — and invariably sell out in minutes — on the Pop Mart site. Article content 'But the easiest way that we would recommend to our customers is to go to the local store and see what's available there, because the store receives new stock almost every day,' Kulkarni says. Article content Facebook Marketplace is another hub for Labubu resale. A search of the term yields dozens of resale posts ranging in price from $20 for a 'Lafufu' — the name bestowed on the fake versions of the trending toy — to $300 for a full set of six Labubu Big Into Energy toys. Article content As the hype around Labubus continues to grow — Kulkarni refers to the toys as a 'global sensation' — the demand for the products seems to show no sign of slowing down. Article content 'It rivals the biggest trends in toys over the past 30 years that we've seen,' he says. 'Whether it's Cabbage Patch Kids or Webkinz or Beanie Babies or Shopkins back in the day, or even Disney Frozen was a giant trend for us. Article content Article content
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
More Iowa women's basketball schedule details emerge
More Iowa women's basketball schedule details emerge Anticipation for the Iowa women's basketball season that's ahead continues to build. The Hawkeyes' freshman class—guards Addie Deal and Journey Houston and post Layla Hays—moved in over the weekend. News also broke on the Iowa women's basketball 2025-26 schedule. Several more dates on that Hawkeye schedule were revealed. According to Kyle Huesmann of Hawkeye Report, Iowa will host Western Illinois on Nov. 25, Fairfield on Nov. 30 and Lindenwood on Dec. 13. Iowa leads the all-time series against Western Illinois, 9-2. The most recent meeting came on Dec. 22, 2020, in a 92-65 Hawkeye win. Former Iowa big Monika Czinano scored 19 points in that victory. Western Illinois finished last season with a 17-17 record. Iowa's date against Fairfield will be the two schools' first meeting. Fairfield advanced to last year's NCAA Tournament and finished with a 28-5 record. The Stags earned a No. 12 seed before falling to fifth-seeded Kansas State. Fairfield also advanced to the 2024 NCAA Tournament and had a 31-2 record during that campaign. Iowa will also meet Lindenwood for the first time in program history. Lindenwood advanced to the WNIT's third round and finished with a 23-11 mark. Hawkeye Report's public records request also revealed that Iowa will travel to Northern Iowa on Nov. 16 and that the Hawkeyes will face Baylor and Miami in the 2025 WBCA Showcase. The Hawkeyes' 2025-26 Big Ten opponents were also previously unveiled. Iowa will host Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State, Penn State, Washington and Oregon. Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes will travel to Indiana, Maryland, Rutgers, Purdue, Northwestern, Wisconsin, UCLA and USC. Iowa's lone conference foe that it will play both home and away is Nebraska. Iowa will also travel to Iowa State on Dec. 10 and will play defending national champion Connecticut in the Women's Champions Classic on Dec. 20. Here's an updated look at the Iowa women's basketball schedule thus far: Nov. 16: at Northern Iowa at Northern Iowa Nov. 20 and Nov. 22: vs. Baylor, vs. Miami (Fla.) (WBCA Showcase) vs. Baylor, vs. Miami (Fla.) (WBCA Showcase) Nov. 25: vs. Western Illinois vs. Western Illinois Nov. 30: vs. Fairfield vs. Fairfield Dec. 10: at Iowa State at Iowa State Dec. 13: vs. Lindenwood vs. Lindenwood Dec. 20: vs. Connecticut (Women's Champions Classic) vs. Connecticut (Women's Champions Classic) TBA: vs. Drake vs. Drake TBA: Big Ten slate Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Josh on X: @JoshOnREF
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prime Video Developing STEVEN UNIVERSE Spinoff LARS OF THE STARS
Steven Universe, one of the most beloved, highest rated animated series of all-time, said goodbye in early 2019. Later that year Steven Universe: The Movie arrived. But after the limited-run Steven Universe Future ended in 2020, it seemed like that might truly be the franchise's onscreen end. Turns out, thankfully for fans, it wasn't. It's officially getting ready to return to airwaves once again. Cartoon Network Studios has announced its developing a spinoff series, Steven Universe: Lars of the Stars, for Prime Video. Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe made a huge announcement during its Studio Showcase presentation at this year's Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Cartoon Network Studios revealed it is currently developing what it calls a 'follow-up' to the beloved series. Only, this new show will instead follow a different character from the original show, Lars Barriga. A different main character isn't the only major change. Unlike the original series, which aired on Cartoon Network for five seasons and 160 episodes, Steven Universe: Lars of the Stars is heading to Prime Video. It will also give viewers a chance to go both backwards and forwards through its own universe. Here's the show's official synopsis: From executive producers Rebecca Sugar and Ian Jones-Quartey, Steven Universe: Lars of the Stars explores the past, present and future of the Steven Universe universe. The sequel series follows Lars Barriga, eternal teenager and space outlaw, as he and his pirate crew smuggle contraband, evade the authorities, and uncover the darkest secrets of the fallen Gem Empire. This sequel/spinoff wasn't the only big news announced during the presentation. Cartoon Network also revealed Teen Titans Go! is a go for season 10. That's a really good day for animation fans for very different reasons. One of those show's we expected to return. The other we weren't sure we'd ever see again. But it's just hard to keep a good (Steven) universe down.
CTV News
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Labubu lands in Canada: ‘The largest toy trend we've ever seen'
This image provided by 'Showcase', shows Labubu, the plush toy from China's Pop Mart. Labubu, the mischievous, pointy-toothed monster from Chinese toy company Pop Mart, is no longer just a viral sensation – it's a full-blown cultural phenomenon. And in Canada, demand is surging, thanks in part to Showcase, the national retailer bringing Pop Mart products to local malls. 'Labubu is one of many characters in the Monsters series of Pop Mart, but she's the most famous character by far,' said Samir Kulkarni, CEO of Showcase, in a video interview with 'We've been in business for 30 years. This is by far the largest toy trend that we have ever seen.' Pop Mart describes Labubu as 'a small monster with high, pointed ears and serrated teeth' who, despite its mischievous look, 'is kind-hearted and always wants to help.' Originally created in 2015 by Hong Kong-born, Netherlands-raised illustrator Kasing Lung, Labubu first appeared in a trio of picture books inspired by Nordic mythology. '[The artist] remembered hearing Dutch bedtime stories about different monsters … and created figurines to go with those stories,' Kulkarni said. 'There's a story behind the story, and that's what creates that demand.' Although the character began as a background figure, Labubu has grown into the face of Pop Mart's global success, especially since plush versions hit the market in 2023. Labubu This image provided by 'Showcase', shows Labubu, the plush toy from China's Pop Mart. According to the company's annual report, Pop Mart's revenue more than doubled in 2024 to 13.04 billion yuan (US$1.81 billion), driven in part by Labubu's success. Plush toy sales alone soared more than 1,200 per cent, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of overall revenue. Labubu has been embraced by fans of all ages, though most buyers fall between the ages of eight and 25, according to Kulkarni. 'It definitely skews towards the younger side,' he said, adding there are older customers, especially when it comes to rarer and more expensive figures. Labubu has also become a fashion accessory, spotted dangling from designer handbags carried by celebrities including Olivia Attwood, Kim Kardashian and David Beckham, fuelling the toy's desirability. 'It's a mystery' What sets Pop Mart apart, and Labubu in particular, is the blind-box format. Shoppers never know exactly which figure they'll receive until opening the box. 'It's very different than most toys that are sold in retail,' Kulkarni said. 'In this case, it's a mystery. Sometimes there are rare characters that only appear once every 72 boxes. So, people are looking for the super rare ones, as well.' Those rare figures, once discovered, can skyrocket in value. The result is a frenzied aftermarket, with online resellers charging eye-watering prices for coveted pieces. 'They definitely do get more expensive over time because they are limited edition items,' Kulkarni said. 'There just isn't enough … and demand is much higher than the supply.' Showcase has leaned into the collector culture by offering in-store trading for duplicates and pre-order options for upcoming releases. New Labubu series drop almost monthly, according to Kulkarni, including the wildly popular 'Big Into Energy' collection featuring neon-coloured versions of the character. Labubu This image provided by 'Showcase', shows Labubu, the plush toy from China's Pop Mart. 'That line is the most popular Labubus ever created,' he said. 'We allow for those trades in-store, as well, so that people can … complete their collections.' Labubu vs. Lafufu Tracking down a Labubu isn't always easy. While Pop Mart operates an online store that ships to Canada, there are no physical Pop Mart locations in the country. Labubu figures are also available through a range of retailers — including Showcase, its national partner — as well as independent shops and online resellers. But fans should beware: a growing number of fakes, known online as 'Lafufus,' are circulating in the market. Lafufu, a counterfeit of Pop Mart's hit toy, has gained unexpected traction on social media. The name riffs on the word 'fake,' and their exaggerated flaws like misaligned eyes, uneven fur and lumpy bodies have turned them into a meme of their own. Despite being knockoffs, Lafufus have attracted a following. They're cheaper and more accessible than the genuine article, offering a low-cost entry point into the fandom for buyers who aren't fussy about official branding. There are a few general ways to tell the difference between a Lafufu and an authentic Labubu: genuine figures typically come in Pop Mart packaging with verifiable details, such as a QR code. Lafufus, by contrast, are often sold in unbranded bags and may have visible flaws.
CTV News
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Labubu: The viral monster toy taking over Canada
This image provided by 'Showcase', shows Labubu, the plush toy from China's Pop Mart. Labubu, the mischievous, pointy-toothed monster from Chinese toy company Pop Mart, is no longer just a viral sensation – it's a full-blown cultural phenomenon. And in Canada, demand is surging, thanks in part to Showcase, the national retailer bringing Pop Mart products to local malls. 'Labubu is one of many characters in the Monsters series of Pop Mart, but she's the most famous character by far,' said Samir Kulkarni, CEO of Showcase, in a video interview with 'We've been in business for 30 years. This is by far the largest toy trend that we have ever seen.' Pop Mart describes Labubu as 'a small monster with high, pointed ears and serrated teeth' who, despite its mischievous look, 'is kind-hearted and always wants to help.' Originally created in 2015 by Hong Kong-born, Netherlands-raised illustrator Kasing Lung, Labubu first appeared in a trio of picture books inspired by Nordic mythology. '[The artist] remembered hearing Dutch bedtime stories about different monsters … and created figurines to go with those stories,' Kulkarni said. 'There's a story behind the story, and that's what creates that demand.' Although the character began as a background figure, Labubu has grown into the face of Pop Mart's global success, especially since plush versions hit the market in 2023. Labubu This image provided by 'Showcase', shows Labubu, the plush toy from China's Pop Mart. According to the company's annual report, Pop Mart's revenue more than doubled in 2024 to 13.04 billion yuan (US$1.81 billion), driven in part by Labubu's success. Plush toy sales alone soared more than 1,200 per cent, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of overall revenue. Labubu has been embraced by fans of all ages, though most buyers fall between the ages of eight and 25, according to Kulkarni. 'It definitely skews towards the younger side,' he said, adding there are older customers, especially when it comes to rarer and more expensive figures. Labubu has also become a fashion accessory, spotted dangling from designer handbags carried by celebrities including Olivia Attwood, Kim Kardashian and David Beckham, fuelling the toy's desirability. 'It's a mystery' What sets Pop Mart apart, and Labubu in particular, is the blind-box format. Shoppers never know exactly which figure they'll receive until opening the box. 'It's very different than most toys that are sold in retail,' Kulkarni said. 'In this case, it's a mystery. Sometimes there are rare characters that only appear once every 72 boxes. So, people are looking for the super rare ones, as well.' Those rare figures, once discovered, can skyrocket in value. The result is a frenzied aftermarket, with online resellers charging eye-watering prices for coveted pieces. 'They definitely do get more expensive over time because they are limited edition items,' Kulkarni said. 'There just isn't enough … and demand is much higher than the supply.' Showcase has leaned into the collector culture by offering in-store trading for duplicates and pre-order options for upcoming releases. New Labubu series drop almost monthly, according to Kulkarni, including the wildly popular 'Big Into Energy' collection featuring neon-coloured versions of the character. Labubu This image provided by 'Showcase', shows Labubu, the plush toy from China's Pop Mart. 'That line is the most popular Labubus ever created,' he said. 'We allow for those trades in-store, as well, so that people can … complete their collections.' Labubu vs. Lafufu Tracking down a Labubu isn't always easy. While Pop Mart operates an online store that ships to Canada, there are no physical Pop Mart locations in the country. Labubu figures are also available through a range of retailers — including Showcase, its national partner — as well as independent shops and online resellers. But fans should beware: a growing number of fakes, known online as 'Lafufus,' are circulating in the market. Lafufu, a counterfeit of Pop Mart's hit toy, has gained unexpected traction on social media. The name riffs on the word 'fake,' and their exaggerated flaws like misaligned eyes, uneven fur and lumpy bodies have turned them into a meme of their own. Despite being knockoffs, Lafufus have attracted a following. They're cheaper and more accessible than the genuine article, offering a low-cost entry point into the fandom for buyers who aren't fussy about official branding. There are a few general ways to tell the difference between a Lafufu and an authentic Labubu: genuine figures typically come in Pop Mart packaging with verifiable details, such as a QR code. Lafufus, by contrast, are often sold in unbranded bags and may have visible flaws.
