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 Is 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, and 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.