FILE-Toys themed on Labubu, a popular furry doll from Chinese toy company Pop Mart, are pictured during the opening ceremony of a new offline store of Pop Mart in Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo by Sun Weitong/Xinhua via Getty Images)
The rising popularity of a plush toy that gained traction on social media has fans in such a frenzy to obtain one that stores are resorting to drastic measures.
Consumer demand for Labubu dolls has gotten so out of hand that fights have broken out in stores, leading to some retailers having to briefly close their stores.
Labubu doll excitement resulting in violence
Dig deeper:
Pop Mart manufactures the monster bag charms and told the BBC that it had to temporarily halt selling them in all 16 of its UK stores until June to avoid possible “safety issues.”
One woman who is a fan of Labubu dolls explained to the BBC that people were fighting and shouting in one London store.
The Independent reported that customers camped outside of stores for hours and there were reports of violence as resellers of the dolls continued to search aisles for Labubus to sell at an expensive price.
In April, Labubu dolls were released at Pop Mart locations in the U.S. drawing massive crowds. At a Pop Mart store in Los Angeles, videos online showed customers rushing toward the store early in the morning, leading to a police presence.
What are Labubu dolls?
The backstory:
Labubu is a furry monster character known for its big ears and sharp teeth and was created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. The items later became a trend through a collaboration with toy store Pop Mart, a Chinese retailer well-known for its “blind box” collectibles, meaning it so that buyers don’t know which color or design they’re getting until they open the box.
RELATED: Fans line up on Michigan Avenue in Chicago for loveable monster plush ‘Labubu’
The Independent reported that Labubus became a TikTok sensation after they were worn by celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa. Now some retail experts are warning that the stop on stock will only increase demand.
The toys range from $25 to $100 and have become an accessory item that some women pair with luxury bags. Some people buy Labubus and then resell them for hundreds of dollars online.
When Labubus debuted at a Pop Mart in Chicago, fans lined up on Michigan Avenue on April 25 to get their hands on their very own Labubu.
This year, Labubu toys have become the must-have item for consumers, comparable to the Stanley Cup in 2024.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by the BBC, The Independent, FOX 32 Chicago, and TikTok. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.
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