Pop Mart Dolls: World Domination

The Labubu Craze: How a Furry Doll Became a Global Sensation

Adam Hancock

Business reporter, BBC News

xia Yu/VCG via Getty Images

Whether you reckon they are cute, ugly or just plain weird, chances are you have heard of the furry dolls that have
become a global sensation – Labubu.

born a monster, the elf-like creature from Chinese toy maker Pop Mart is now a viral purchase.And it has no dearth of
celebrity advocates: rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian and Blackpink’s Lisa. Ordinary folk are just as obsessed –
from Shanghai to london, the long queues to snap up the doll have made headlines, sometimes descending into fights even.

“You get such a sense of achievement when you are able to get it among such fierce competition,” says avowed fan
Fiona Zhang.

the world’s interest wiht Labubu has almost tripled Pop Mart’s profits in the past year – and, according to some,
even energised Chinese soft power, which has been bruised by the pandemic and a strained relationship with the West.

So, how did we get here?

What exactly is Labubu?

Its a question that still bothers many – and even those who know the answer are not entirely sure they can explain
the craze.

Labubu is both a fictional character and a brand.the word itself doesn’t mean anything. It’s the name of a
character in “The Monsters” toy series created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung.

The vinyl faces are attached to plush bodies,and come with a signature look – pointy ears,big eyes and a
mischievous grin showing exactly nine teeth. A curious yet divided internet can’t seem to decide if they are
adorable or bizarre.

He Xiaoxiao/VCG via Getty Images

The Labubu universe includes other characters that have inspired their own dolls

According to its retailer’s official website, Labubu is “kind-hearted and always wants to help, but often
accidentally achieves the opposite”.

The Labubu dolls have appeared in several series of “The Monsters”, such as “Big into Energy”, “Have a Seat”,
“Exciting Macaron” and “Fall in Wild”.

The Labubu brand also has other characters from its universe, which have inspired their own popular dolls – such as
the tribe’s leader Zimomo, her boyfriend Tycoco and her friend Mokoko.

To the untrained eye, some of these dolls are hard to distinguish from one another. The connoisseurs would know but
Labubu’s fame has certainly rubbed off, with other specimens in the family also flying off the shelves.

Who sells Labubu?

A major part of Pop Mart’s sales were so-called blind boxes – where customers only found out what they had bought
when they opened the package – for some years when they tied up with Kasing Lung for the rights to Labubu.

That was 2019, nearly a decade after entrepreneur Wang Ning opened Pop Mart as a variety store, similar to a pound
shop, in beijing. When the blind boxes became a success, Pop Mart launched the first series in 2016, selling Molly
dolls – child-like figurines created by Hong Kong artist Kenny Wong.

Getty Images

pop Mart first opened as a variety store in Beijing in 2010

But it was the Labubu sales that fuelled Pop Mart’s growth and in December 2020, it began selling shares on the
Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Those shares have soared by more than 500% in the last year.

Pop Mart itself has now become a major retailer. It operates more than 2,000 vending machines, or “roboshops”,
around the world.And you can now buy Labubu dolls in stores, physical or virtual, in more than 30 countries, from
the US and UK to Australia and Singapore, although many of them have recently paused sales due to overwhelming
demand. Sales from outside mainland China contributed to nearly 40% of its total revenue in 2024.

In a sign of just how popular Labubus have become, Chinese customs officials said this week that they had seized
more than 70,000 fake dolls in recent days.

The demand did not rise overnight though. It actually took a few years for the elfin monsters to break into the
mainstream.

how did labubu go global?

Before the world discovered Labubu, their fame was limited to China.They started to become a hit just as the
country emerged from the pandemic in late 2022, according to Ashley Dudarenok, founder of China-focused research
firm ChoZan.

“Post-pandemic, a lot of people in China felt that they wanted to emotionally escape… and Labubu was a very
charming but chaotic character,” she says. “It embodied that anti-perfectionism.”

How can Pop Mart maintain its global dominance in teh collectible market as it continues to expand?

Pop Mart Dolls: A Global Collecting Phenomenon

The world of collectible figures has been irrevocably changed by Pop Mart. These aren’t just toys; they are a cultural force, a collectible, and a booming business. This article delves into the Pop Mart phenomenon,exploring how these small,often mysterious figures have captured the hearts (and wallets) of collectors worldwide. From blind boxes to strategic marketing, discover the secrets behind Pop Mart’s success and the future of this engaging trend.

The Blind Box Brilliance: Fueling the Pop Mart craze

At the heart of Pop Mart’s popularity lies the blind box concept. This element of surprise is key to their success. Each box contains a randomly selected figure, creating an element of uncertainty and excitement that keeps collectors coming back for more. the thrill of the unknown is a major driving force behind the collecting behaviour.

Understanding the blind Box Mechanics

The blind box strategy is a core element of Pop Mart’s success. Here’s how it effectively works:

• Mystery: Figures are hidden inside sealed boxes, preventing buyers from knowing which one they are getting.
• Scarcity: Certain figures are rarer (“secrets”) and drive up demand.
• Collection building: Collectors aim to complete entire series, increasing the likelihood of repeat purchases.

This model creates a cycle of anticipation, excitement, and potential disappointment (which drives more purchases!). The rarity system also fuels the secondary market.

Pop Mart’s Marketing and Branding Strategies

Pop Mart’s success isn’t solely due to its blind box model. Their strategic marketing, appealing designs, and collaborations have played a crucial role in their global domination. Creating a brand identity that resonates with collectors is paramount.

Key Marketing Tactics Employed by Pop Mart

• Collaborations: Pop mart partners with well known artists and brands to create limited-edition figures. These partnerships generate considerable buzz and extend market reach.
• Social Media Marketing: A highly active presence on platforms like Instagram and TikTok helps create a sense of community and showcase new releases.
• Retail Experience: Pop Mart stores provide a visually appealing and engaging shopping experience that emphasizes the collectible aspect.
• Targeted Advertising: Advertising campaigns are highly effective in generating attention and driving traffic to purchase points.

The Artists and designs Behind the Magic

The success of Pop mart dolls is partially dependent on the artists and designers who create the figures. Artists like Kenny Wong (Molly) and Pucky have become well-known, and their characters are highly sought after by collectors.

Notable Pop Mart Artists and Characters

Artist	Key Character	Characteristics
Kenny Wong	Molly	Cute, expressive, iconic character
Pucky	Various (e.g., The Elf)	Whimsical, frequently enough emotional designs
Dimoo	Dimoo	Unique and aesthetically pleasing and visually appealing

Collecting Pop Mart dolls: Tips and Considerations

For those keen on entering the Pop Mart collecting world, the following are a few factors to consider:

• Set a Budget: Collecting can become expensive. Set a reasonable monthly budget.
• Research Series: study what series have been introduced and what is coming out next.
• Join Communities: Connect with collectors online; sharing trading tips and more.
• Understand Rarity: Learn about the rarity of “secrets” and special editions.

The Secondary Market and Trading Pop Mart Figurines

A vibrant secondary market exists for Pop Mart figurines, with collectors buying, selling, and trading. This secondary market is the next layer of this collectible and further generates interest within the topic.

Navigating the Secondary Market

• Online Platforms: Websites, reddit communities and social media play a key role in all aspects of the Pop Mart World.
• Pricing: Research current market values to identify the fair price.
• Authentication: Authenticating figures will safeguard trading.

The secondary market, while offering opportunities to acquire sought-after pieces, can also involve fakes; buyers are encouraged to do due diligence.

The Future of Pop Mart and the Collectible Market

As the market of Pop Mart dolls continues to expand, new trends and challenges are appearing. Innovation and adaptation will be key as the company continues to dominate. They will need to remain vigilant to secure future market position.

This market is expected to continue to thrive. By adapting to the demands of consumers and innovating within the collecting market, they are poised to stay a major player in the foreseeable future.