‘Labubu’ craze: The quirky doll taking the world by storm

(Web Desk): ‘Labubu’ is a doll that is rapidly gaining popularity across the globe. Its appearance ranges from interesting to creepy, and sometimes even cute—especially if it comes in an appealing color. If not, it can look rather unattractive.

However, this quirky and strange doll is being adored worldwide, with people even standing in lines to buy it. Initially launched just as a doll, Labubu now has jewelry items, bags, shirts, and more available in the market.

Fans of Labubu aren’t limited to the general public; many celebrities are also fans, including Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa, and BLACKPINK’s Lisa.

What is Labubu?

Labubu is a fictional character created by Hong Kong-based Kasing Lung, and was introduced by the Chinese company Pop Mart in 2019 as part of its "The Monsters" series.

Interestingly, the word Labubu itself has no particular meaning, but its unique appearance—large eyes, pointed ears, a nine-tooth grin, and a soft body—instantly captures attention.

One of the key attractions of these toys is that they are sold in blind boxes, meaning buyers don’t know which doll they’re getting. This mystery aspect keeps customers coming back again and again.

Pop Mart

Pop Mart started in 2010 as a regular store in Beijing. However, in 2016, when the company introduced blind boxes and the Molly doll, its popularity began to rise.

True success came with the introduction of Labubu. When the company went public in 2020, its stock value surged by over 500% in a short time.

Pop Mart’s CEO, Wang Ning, became famous due to Labubu's success, and his net worth reached $2.27 billion, making him one of the richest people in China.

In 2024, the company’s revenue grew by 188%, and total sales reached $1.8 billion.

Today, Pop Mart operates over 2,000 vending machines in more than 30 countries, from which consumers can purchase their favorite dolls.

Global Popularity

Labubu’s global fame skyrocketed after the COVID-19 pandemic, as life in China returned to normal and people began gravitating toward products that offered emotional comfort and lighthearted joy—something Labubu delivers perfectly.

Its true global breakthrough came in April 2024, when BLACKPINK’s Lisa shared photos with a Labubu doll on Instagram.

Soon after, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, and even Sir David Beckham joined in on the trend.

Affordable Pricing

Labubu dolls aren’t very expensive. They typically cost around $6.95 USD or £5.12 GBP, which translates to roughly Rs1,950 to 2,100, based on current exchange rates.

This affordability has made them extremely popular among children, teenagers, and even adults in their 30s.

Social Media Craze

Millions of people now watch Labubu unboxing videos on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Fans are captivated by the suspense of finding out which doll is inside the box. The most thrilling moment is when influencers shake the box, trying to guess whether it contains their favorite doll.

Among all versions, the “Chaser” model is the most sought after.