The newest Mini Labubu dolls from Chinese toymaker Pop Mart have created a shopping frenzy across the globe. Pop Mart’s new mini Labubu dolls sold out almost instantly in both China and major overseas markets, including the United States. The demand was so intense that it crashed Pop Mart’s WeChat store when sales began.
The 28 different mini Labubu designs stand about 4.1 inches tall and cost $11 each in China. These rabbit-eared plush dolls disappeared from shelves within minutes across key markets like Japan and South Korea. The toys come in unmarked boxes with a one-in-168 chance of getting special edition dolls.
Collectors and resellers rushed to buy the dolls as soon as they became available. Some resellers have already listed 14-box cases for more than double the original retail price. The craze shows no signs of slowing down as fans continue to hunt for these popular collectible toys.
Key Takeaways
- Mini Labubu dolls from Pop Mart sold out within minutes across the US, China, and other major markets worldwide.
- The intense demand crashed Pop Mart’s online store and created shopping frenzies at physical locations.
- Pop Mart has become a global phenomenon in the collectible toy market with massive resale values driving continued interest.
Instant Sell-Out of Mini Labubu Dolls in the US and China
The new mini Labubus sold out almost instantly at home and major overseas markets, creating a global shopping frenzy. Pop Mart’s latest release demonstrates the massive demand for these collectible toys across both Chinese and North American markets.
Release Timeline and Sell-Out Events
Pop Mart released the mini Labubu dolls in late August 2025. The newest Labubu collection managed to sell out online in minutes during its initial launch.
The dolls disappeared from shelves faster than previous releases. Both physical stores and online platforms experienced complete inventory depletion within hours.
The company had prepared for high demand but underestimated the actual consumer response. Multiple restocks throughout the launch week also sold out quickly.
Consumer Frenzy and Traffic Surges
Online shopping platforms crashed due to overwhelming traffic. Thousands of customers tried to purchase the limited mini Labubu dolls simultaneously.
Social media exploded with posts about the sell-out. Frustrated buyers shared screenshots of empty shopping carts and sold-out product pages.
Resellers immediately began offering the dolls at inflated prices. Some mini Labubu variants appeared on secondary markets within hours of the official sell-out.
Demand in North America and China
Chinese consumers showed exceptional enthusiasm for the mini versions. The dolls sold out almost instantly at home despite Pop Mart’s domestic market experience.
North American buyers faced additional challenges with pricing. Despite a tariff-induced price increase from $22 to $28 for US customers, demand remained extremely high.
Market Performance by Region:
- China: Sold out in under 30 minutes
- United States: Complete inventory depletion within 2 hours
- Canada: Limited stock exhausted same day
Role of Blind Boxes in Rapid Sales
The blind box format intensified the purchasing frenzy. Customers bought multiple units hoping to collect rare variants or complete sets.
Pop Mart’s signature mystery packaging created additional urgency. Buyers could not see which specific mini Labubu they would receive before purchasing.
Limited edition variants within the blind boxes drove repeat purchases. Collectors attempted to obtain the rarest mini Labubu designs through multiple box purchases.
The blind box system encouraged bulk buying behaviors. Many customers purchased entire cases to improve their chances of finding special editions.
Pop Mart, Kasing Lung, and the Rise of Labubu Dolls Globally
Pop Mart’s transformation from a Beijing variety store to a global toy company happened through strategic partnerships and celebrity endorsements. The company’s founder Wang Ning built an empire worth billions by licensing Kasing Lung’s monster characters and expanding into overseas markets across North America and beyond.
Pop Mart’s Expansion and Business Strategy
Wang Ning founded Pop Mart in Beijing in 2010 as a variety store similar to a pound shop. The toy company changed direction when it started selling blind box figures from local designers.
The business model centers on mystery packaging. Customers buy sealed boxes without knowing which figure is inside. This creates excitement and encourages repeat purchases.
Pop Mart operates more than 2,000 vending machines worldwide. These “roboshops” make Labubu dolls available in over 30 countries. The company sells in both physical stores and online platforms.
Key expansion milestones:
- 2016: First blind box series launched
- 2019: Licensed Kasing Lung’s characters
- 2020: Listed on Hong Kong Stock Exchange
- 2024: Nearly 40% of revenue from overseas markets
Pop Mart’s shares jumped over 500% in the past year. The company’s success in North America and other overseas markets proves the global appeal of collectible toys.
Kasing Lung’s Creative Influence
Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung created the character Labubu in 2015. He developed “The Monsters” series as part of his Nordic Fairy Tale picture book collection.
Labubu features a distinctive design with pointy ears, big eyes, and a grin showing nine teeth. The character combines vinyl faces with plush bodies in various colors and themes.
The artist designed Labubu as “kind-hearted and always wants to help, but often accidentally achieves the opposite”. This chaotic-cute personality appeals to collectors who appreciate imperfection.
Lung’s monster universe includes other popular characters:
- Zimomo: The tribe’s leader
- Tycoco: Zimomo’s boyfriend
- Mokoko: Zimomo’s friend
- Spooky and Pato: Additional creatures
Though Labubu wasn’t the original protagonist, the elf-like character became the breakout star. Different series like “Big into Energy” and “Fall in Wild” showcase the character in new themes.
Global Labubu Doll Fandom and Celebrity Endorsements
Labubu’s popularity exploded in April 2024 when K-pop star Lisa posted Instagram photos with the dolls. This celebrity endorsement launched the toys into international fame.
Major celebrities joined the trend throughout 2024. Rihanna carried a Labubu on her Louis Vuitton bag in February. Kim Kardashian shared her collection of 10 Labubu dolls with millions of followers in April.
Even David Beckham posted about receiving a Labubu from his daughter in May. These endorsements made the dolls feel everywhere online and in person.
The fandom extends beyond celebrities. Collectors line up for hours at Pop Mart stores. Some fans shake blind boxes to guess which figure is inside before buying.
Popular collecting behaviors:
- Hunting for rare “chaser” editions (1 in 100 odds)
- Unboxing videos with millions of views
- Trading duplicate figures with other collectors
- Displaying collections on social media
The affordable price point helps drive popularity. Most Labubu dolls cost between $18-50, making them accessible luxury items for young adults.
Counterfeits and the Lafufu Phenomenon
Chinese customs officials seized over 70,000 fake Labubu dolls in recent days. This massive counterfeit operation shows the huge demand for authentic figures.
Fake Labubu dolls flood online marketplaces at lower prices. These “Lafufu” copies often have poor quality materials and incorrect proportions. Collectors learn to spot differences in packaging, stitching, and facial features.
The counterfeit market hurts both Pop Mart’s profits and customer trust. Buyers who receive fake products may avoid future purchases. Some fans unknowingly buy counterfeits and feel disappointed with the quality.
Pop Mart fights back through legal action and education. The company teaches customers how to identify authentic products. Official retailers pause sales when demand overwhelms supply rather than risk counterfeits entering the market.
Signs of authentic Labubu dolls:
- Official Pop Mart packaging and holograms
- High-quality vinyl faces and plush bodies
- Correct proportions and facial details
- Purchase from authorized retailers only
The Lafufu problem highlights Labubu’s massive success. Counterfeiters only target products with strong consumer demand and high profit potential.
