Berlin's debut Labubu store – a first for Germany
In the world of collectible plush toys, a new sensation has taken the global stage by storm. Labubu, a distinctive rabbit-like toy with big eyes, sharp teeth, and an air of mystery, has captivated the hearts of millennials and collectors worldwide.
Originating from the Chinese company Pop Mart, Labubu was first introduced in 2019 as part of the The Monsters series by designer Kasing Lung. Since then, it has become a viral craze, setting the stage for a massive wave of popularity that spans continents.
One of the key factors driving Labubu's global hype is its unique design. The toy's combination of cuteness and a touch of the uncanny, as evidenced by its big, round eyes and sharp teeth, has struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
But Labubu's appeal isn't just aesthetic. Scarcity tactics, celebrity endorsements, and a strong social media presence have all played a role in fueling the hype. Limited edition runs and blind box distribution create a sense of urgency among consumers, driving demand and creating a thriving secondary market. High-profile global celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Lisa from Blackpink, Kim Kardashian, and David Beckham have been seen with Labubu, driving immense popularity and aspirational value.
Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit are awash with over 2.6 million posts about Labubu, with peak days seeing billions of interactions and hundreds of millions of social media influences. This widespread and sustained online engagement has propelled Labubu into the limelight, making it a social media sensation.
The Labubu trend reached Germany with the opening of the first Labubu store at the Alexa shopping center in Berlin, operated by Chinese manufacturer and retailer Pop Mart. The store opening created a significant queue and a chaotic atmosphere, with hundreds of people waiting outside, some traveling from Bavaria or Saxony-Anhalt. Fans were willing to endure long waits and unfavorable weather conditions to purchase Labubu plush toys.
The Labubus trend has not only captured the hearts of consumers but also influencers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Some fans even brought their own Labubu plush toys with them, showcasing their collection and adding to the excitement.
The success of Labubu is not just a flash in the pan. Pop Mart, a company founded in 2010, plans to open a total of three stores in Berlin. The shopping center had been preparing for the anticipated demand for Labubus plush toys for weeks, with many fans waiting for hours, including some who arrived in the middle of the night.
Cynthia Schlater, a 25-year-old from Riesa, Saxony, spent around 500 euros and waited in line for 14 hours to get her hands on a Labubu plush toy. The Labubus are described as being both cute and ugly, a testament to their unique appeal that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Labubu represents a new wave of collectible plush toys, combining cultural relevance, marketing savvy, and community engagement. It's a phenomenon reminiscent of past collectible crazes like Beanie Babies but on a larger, digitally connected scale. As Labubu continues to sweep the globe, one thing is certain: this is a trend that shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Shoppers flocking to the Alexa shopping center in Berlin demonstrates the global influence of Labubu, expanding its reach beyond the home-and-garden realm into the lifestyle category.
The popularity of Labubu plush toys extends beyond consumer purchases, as evidenced by the massive online engagement on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit, blurring the lines between shopping and social media.
