Labubu dolls – manufactured by Chinese toy maker Pop Mart – are dominating market stalls and newsagents across the Western world thanks to TikTok.
Popularised by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, David Beckham and Lady Gaga, the dolls have driven Pop Mart’s profits to sky-high levels, increasing them by 400pc in the past year alone.
The Irish Independent asked Dublin shoppers why they thought the dolls are so sought after.
“It’s just capitalism at its finest,” said Martha Mulcahy (24).
“I like to buy sustainably and not from celebrities and what they’re wearing.”
Labubu dolls of different colours on sale
Maebh O’Donovan (18) said the toy reflects negatively on the modern world.
“I think they’re a sign of the times. I’d say they’ll go out of trend as quickly as they came in,” she said.
The phenomenon has transcended international borders, but that does not impress Faye Brennan (19), who said she would rather splash her cash elsewhere.
“They’re a bit of a waste of money and I don’t really understand them,” she said.
“They’re not doing any harm, but I don’t really understand the craze.”
The toys, which are usually hung from bags and backpacks, have a €90 price tag if ordered on the Pop Mart website.
Sahra Heipe (23) said she fails to see the logic in parting with such money for a toy. “They’re cute, but is there any real value to them, or is it just because it’s a trend?” she asked.
Sorcha Denihan (23) said the fad will be replaced by another soon enough.
“I’d say by Christmas, there’ll be something else,” she said.
“I’d probably keep it if someone gave it to me, but I wouldn’t go out looking for one.”
Ten years ago, it was probably Tamagotchis or something
Muireann Hayden (24) said she has seen similar trend cycles play out before.
“Ten years ago, it was probably Tamagotchis or something,” she said.
However, a rare passionate advocate for Labubus was Annie Sheridan (11), from Baldoyle in Dublin.
“What I like about them is that they are easy to bring around. You can put them on your backpack, or leave them in your room,” she said. “They are like a good luck charm.”
Counterfeit versions known as “Lafufus” are circulating in several Irish retail outlets.
One easy way to distinguish a Lafufu from a Labubu is by price – Lafufus typically range from €10 to €15, while the real deal costs at least €36.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) issued a recall notice on Lafufus on sale at Eason outlets in the south-east, citing safety concerns.
“Eason Wexford, Gorey and Enniscorthy is carrying out a recall of Pop Mart branded The Monsters Big Into Energy Vinyl Collectible Dolls. The product cannot be confirmed as an authentic Pop Mart product,” it said.
“This may indicate that the product is unsafe.”