Latest news with #plushToy
South China Morning Post
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Rare Labubu toy figures up for auction: Pharrell Williams' Joopiter site to offer Sacai-dressed special editions in collaboration with K-pop band Seventeen
The Labubu craze has reached new heights with a four-foot (1.2 metre) model of the plush toy fetching a price of 1.08 million yuan (US$150,260) at auction. On June 10, the teal character – 'the only piece of its kind in the world', according to Beijing Yongle International Auction, fetched the eye-watering sum at a sale held in China's capital. It was offered alongside other Labubu paraphernalia, including a brown model that sold for 820,000 yuan. An auctioneer takes bids from buyers for a Labubu figurine, during an auction by Yongle International Auction in Beijing, on June 10. Photo: Reuters Advertisement But these remarkable prices may be just the beginning as the viral toy is soon to make another appearance at auction through a collaboration involving Pharrell Williams , the K-pop group Seventeen and the Japanese fashion brand Sacai. The rabbit-like figures sporting mischievous toothy grins began as a character created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, and are made by Beijing-based toy brand Pop Mart. A Labubu toy hangs from a bidder's Hermès bag at an auction by Yongle International Auction in Beijing, on June 10. Photo: Reuters They have been endorsed by celebrities such as Rihanna and Dua Lipa , and fans have queued overnight outside stores hoping to snag one, with analysts pointing to the phenomenon as more evidence of China's growing soft power. The global frenzy for the figures is now to be further fuelled by the coming high fashion collaboration. The latest Labubu auction is a blind box limited to 14 pieces: 13 boxes contain Labubu dressed in beige Sacai jumpsuits, while the 14th box, kept secret, is decorated uniquely, paying homage to one of Pharrell Williams' favourite Sacai creations. Photo: Handout Pharrell Williams' digital platform Joopiter recently announced 'Joopiter presents: Sacai x Seventeen', a global auction marking the first time that Labubu has officially partnered with an international fashion house. The sale will feature 14 exclusive 'Pop Mart x How2work green edition' Labubus from The Monsters series, all dressed in Sacai, with 13 of them representing K-pop group Seventeen's members, plus one secret, Pharrell-inspired model.
Free Malaysia Today
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Labubu sculpture sold for US$150,000 at Beijing auction
Labubus have spawned a booming resale market as well as an online community of fans. (EPA Images pic) SHANGHAI : A Beijing auction house has sold a four-foot-tall sculpture of a viral plush toy character for more than US$150,000, as global demand for the Chinese-designed Labubu dolls reaches fever pitch. The rabbit-like figures sporting mischievous grins began as a character created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, and are made by Beijing-based toy brand Pop Mart. They have been endorsed by celebrities such as Rihanna and Dua Lipa, and fans have queued overnight outside stores hoping to snag one, with analysts pointing to the phenomenon as evidence of China's growing soft power. Yesterday, a teal sculpture depicting a Labubu character with a furry body and head fetched an eye-watering 1.08 million yuan (US$150,260) at an auction held in Beijing, according to the auction house's app. The sculpture is 'the only piece of its kind in the world', according to Yongle International Auction. It was offered alongside other Labubu paraphernalia including a brown statue that sold for 820,000 yuan. Pop Mart has over 400 stores globally, including 30 US branches. The worldwide frenzy has seen people go to desperate lengths to acquire their own Labubu. Last month a London branch of Pop Mart suspended in-store sales of the toys, fearing violence from would-be buyers who failed to get their hands on the limited-edition Labubus. In Singapore, CCTV footage captured a family stealing Labubu dolls from a claw machine, according to Singaporean online media outlet AsiaOne. Burglars broke into a store in California last week and took several Labubu dolls along with electronics and other valuables, American news outlet ABC reported. In China, the toys have been promised as freebies for new bank customers – an incentive quickly shut down by local regulators, according to Chinese media reports. The toys have spawned a booming resale market as well as an online community of fans sharing tips on how to customise their dolls. Knockoffs – many of which are also made in China – have flooded online platforms, dubbed 'Lafufus' by social media users.
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.
Forbes
05-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
What Labubu Teaches Businesses About Viral Marketing
Labubu, the quirky plush toy sensation from parent company Pop Mart, is a masterclass in viral marketing. It is truly Labubu mayhem - they sell out quickly, create brawls amongst hopeful collectors, and get resold for thousands of dollars. But how did Pop Mart turn such an obscure, monster-life 'ugly-cute' doll into a sought-after collectible wanted by teens, adults, and celebrities worldwide? While many factors come into play here, three crucial tactics can be learned from this success story: scarcity, storytelling, and social media. The good news is that many businesses can implement these tactics into their own marketing strategy to help reach and engage new customers. Let's break them down. In a world of fast-paced consumerism, trends, and convenience at our fingertips, it's no secret that humans are afraid of FOMO - the fear of missing out. POP Mart taps into this psychological phenomenon by creating limited drops of its Labubu products. You won't find these toys lining retail shelves 365 days a year. These limited runs help to build obsession and urgency to purchase. For Labubu, this results in lines of collectors outside of stores around the world, waiting to get their hands on one of the little creatures. Scarcity is a powerful marketing tactic for businesses. Scarcity creates exclusivity and a sense of belonging to a community. Being one of the few lucky people to get their hands on a Labubu, they belong to an elite group, and they're not missing out on what their friends are enjoying and experiencing. Businesses can incorporate scarcity into their own marketing by creating limited-time offers or product drops, and creating an exclusive community around the brand. We humans love stories, and research has shown that stories may even help us feel more empathy and trust. Kasing Lung, the creator of Labubu, is known for his affinity for storytelling. The character of Labubu first debuted back in 2015 in a series of picture books inspired by Nordic mythology. Lung also utilizes storytelling with his Labubu plush toy creations. Every release has its own unique backstory, which infuses personality into the characters and helps collectors connect and engage with them on a deeper level. Storytelling is essential to effective marketing. Businesses should look beyond just trying to sell their products and focus on building connection, trust, and loyalty to their brand through storytelling techniques, just like Labubu. Last but not least, social media has played a pivotal role in Labubu's viral marketing success. If you're lucky enough to get your hands on a Labubu, it comes in a 'blind box'. You don't know what character you have until you open it up. Because of this, Pop Mart encourages collectors to share their unboxings on social media. The unboxing of these Labubu dolls has become an event that must be captured and shared with friends and family, resulting in countless pieces of user-generated content for Labubu across social media, particularly on TikTok. This brings us back to our storytelling tactic - the unboxing event satisfies a narrative arc, starting with mystery, excitement, the big reveal, and, finally, joy at their discovery of which Labubu they've received. It's an emotional experience that draws people in and leaves collectors wanting more. So how can you translate this to your own business? While your products may not be in a blind box, consider how to create an experience for your customers that makes capturing and sharing it on social media irresistible. How can you encourage your customers to produce authentic, user-generated content that you can repurpose and share on your own channels? While Labubu has reached viral heights that many can only dream of, its marketing masterclass teaches powerful lessons that businesses of any size can tap into to connect with their customers.
