Labubu Mania: The Rise of Pop Mart Dolls

Introduction: What Are Labubu Dolls?

Labubu are quirky “ugly-cute” collectible figures from Pop Mart’s The Monsters line, designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and first launched in 2019

Blind-Box Strategy & Limited Editions

Sold in mystery blind boxes, Labubu dolls entice collectors with rare “secret” and regional variants—an engineered scarcity that fuels excitement

Why Labubu Are So Popular

Designer vinyl trend: Labubu taps into rising art-toy culture and Gen Z nostalgia.

Celebrity clout: Figures like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Blackpink’s Lisa have brought international attention.

Blind-box thrill: Collectors chase rare variants—resale prices frequently jump far above retail.

UK Market Hype

Pop Mart UK growth: Stores in Selfridges and Oxford Street kiosks repeatedly sell out amid chaotic demand.

Online drops & flips: UK buyers use bots, StockX, eBay, and proxies to secure rare Labubu drops from Pop Mart Global.

Import rarity: Many UK collectors rely on international resale platforms for elusive editions.

Resale Value & Profit Potential

Wild profits: $27.99 Labubu dolls have sold for over $170,000 in Beijing—that’s a 600,000% markup.

Typical flip gains: Even limited vinyls routinely resell for hundreds or thousands—StockX’s “Lowest Ask” often hits $200+ .

Blind-box rarity effect: The chase for secret or region-specific variants drives top-dollar prices.

Where to Buy in the UK

Direct: Pop Mart Global and UK kiosks (when in stock).

Resellers: StockX, eBay, Depop (UK sellers included) .

Local events: Art-toy pop-ups, collector meetups, and specialty toy stores.

How to Resell Labubu Dolls in the UK

Best platforms: eBay, StockX (now supports art toys), Grailed, and Facebook collector groups.

Condition matters: Keep blind boxes intact & store carefully.

Legal basics: Declare profits to HMRC if reselling at scale—reference your tax guides.

Tips for New Labubu Resellers

Authenticity matters: Watch for knockoffs (“Lafufus”) with poor detailing—confirm via QR code, tooth count, and matte packaging.

Collector intel: Join UK-wide communities for drop alerts and rarity insights.

Strategy tip: Consider holding rare editions long-term like sneaker investors.

Conclusion

Labubu mania offers a high-potential niche in art toys, combining blind-box excitement, celebrity backing, and resale leverage. UK resellers can profit—but only if they act fast, verify authenticity, and stay plugged into collector culture.