Labubus conquer Bad Tölz: The plush hype for young and old!

Labubus conquer Bad Tölz: The plush hype for young and old!

If you've been strolling through Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen lately, it's almost impossible not to stumble across them: the Labubus. These plush figures from China have not only captured the hearts of children this summer, but are also booming as trendy accessories for adults. With their mischievous facial expressions, sharp teeth and wide grins, they are not only an eye-catcher, but a real hit that has become a phenomenon worldwide. This fad became loud Mercury fueled by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa and Rihanna showcasing Labubus in public.

But where does this trend actually come from? The Labubus were brought to life in 2010 by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in his picture book series “The Monsters”. Despite initial marketing difficulties, Pop Mart toy manufacturers recognized the great potential of these figures in 2017 and improved their design. Labubus are now not only a symbol of individual passion for collecting, but also an expression of cultural identity. In various countries such as Thailand and Japan, they are even available in local designs and variants that reflect the respective culture, such as the “Merlion Labubu” for Singapore or the “Diver Labubu” in Japan.

An unstoppable hype

The demand for Labubus has increased, especially in the Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen district. Angela Frey from the Thousand toy store in Wolfratshausen reports on the high level of enthusiasm, even if there are only imitations, the so-called “Lafufus”. Original Labubus are almost impossible to find in Germany; They are only available in the official Pop Mart store in Berlin. On platforms like Ebay, the prices for these collectibles fluctuate sky-high, while the imitations cost between 18 and 22 euros. The originals are characterized not only by their higher quality, but also by specific features such as the packaging or the shape of the teeth and feet.

The figures are particularly in demand among women aged 20 to 30, as Angela Frey notes. This age group also seems to be drawn to the “ugly-sweet” design that makes Labubus so unique. Loud HiCom Labubu's success was driven not only by the charming charm of these characters, but also by well-thought-out marketing strategies. This includes the use of emotional narratives, strategic partnerships and the creative use of social media through viral unboxing videos and celebrity endorsements.

A look into the future

From the looks of it, the Labubus trend is far from slowing down. More and more collectors and fans are becoming aware of these toys on social media and through events. The different editions and designs offer enough incentive to get involved in the new collector business. Labubu is now even seen as a cultural symbol for Generation Z in Asia, who long for individuality and emotional products.

Whether as a cuddly plush figure or as a limited edition art object, Labubus are more than just toys - they are part of a shared experience and a way to express cultural and personal identity. It will be exciting to see how this trend will evolve and what new designs Pop Mart will introduce in the future.