Berlin's inaugural Labubu store opens its doors
Labubu plush toys, originating from China in 2015, have become a global sensation, with Germany the latest country to be swept up in the craze. These distinctive "cute-scary" monster toys, featuring pointed ears and big, round eyes with sharp teeth, have taken the world by storm, particularly since 2024, thanks to celebrity endorsements from global stars such as Lisa from K-pop group Blackpink, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and David Beckham.
History and Origin
Created by Chinese designer Wang Ning and popularized by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart, Labubu plush toys first saw the light of day in 2015. They were officially released as part of Pop Mart's The Monsters series in 2019. The surge in popularity can be attributed to celebrity endorsements, starting with Lisa from Blackpink in 2024, followed by other global stars. This endorsement has significantly boosted Pop Mart's valuation, with the company's valuation soaring to over $40 billion, with a massive profit surge projected from Labubu sales alone.
Popularity in China
China, the origin and largest home market for Labubu plush toys, has seen enormous fan and collector bases since 2017. Labubu has become a cultural phenomenon among young people, surpassing previous popular figures such as Molly in sales. There is a hot secondary market for rare editions, with some toys originally costing ¥99 reselling for more than ¥2,000. The popularity is so intense that authorities have intercepted smuggling attempts due to demand. Pop Mart's Shanghai flagship store became a pilgrimage site with waiting lists as long as three months to buy certain plush variants.
Popularity in Germany
Although direct search results do not mention Germany explicitly, the global expansion context implies Labubu's presence in Europe, including Germany, especially after celebrity endorsements increased international demand. The UK has experienced chaotic store lines and growing demand, which suggests similar frenzy likely in Germany given shared trends in European markets. German collectors of designer and collectible toys have shown growing interest in global collectibles, which fits Labubu’s profile as a collectible art toy. However, no specific reports or data on the German market size or trends for Labubu were found.
Popularity in China vs. Other Markets
While China remains the heart of Labubu’s fanbase and market activity, other countries, including Germany, have seen growing interest but lack detailed public data. The European market, including Germany, is likely experiencing rising demand following trends seen in the UK and the broader West, supported by high-profile celebrity visibility and global marketing by Pop Mart.
German Debut
The first Labubu store in Germany opened in Berlin, with hundreds of people waiting outside the Alexa shopping center for the store's opening. Cynthia Schlater from Riesa, Saxony, spent around 500 euros and waited in line for 14 hours. Many fans waited for hours, including some who waited in the middle of the night. The trend is fueled by numerous influencers on TikTok and Instagram who film themselves unpacking surprise boxes. Pop Mart, which was founded in 2010, plans to open a total of three locations in Berlin.
As the Labubu craze continues to grow, it's clear that these furry monsters will continue to capture the hearts of fans worldwide. Whether you're a collector, a fan, or just curious, the Labubu phenomenon is one that's hard to ignore.
In the ever-growing Labubu frenzy, home-and-garden shopping malls, like the Alexa shopping center in Berlin, are offering other lifestyle choices for enthusiasts, such as Cynthia Schlater from Riesa, Saxony, who spent 500 euros and waited 14 hours for the first Labubu store in Germany. With the surge in demand, deal-and-discount seekers can look forward to exploring the world of Labubu plush toys, just as collectors hunt for rare editions on secondary markets.
