Berlin's debut Labubu store, a German retail outlet
In a move that signals the international growth of the collectible toy market, Pop Mart, a leading toy retailer, is set to open three stores in Berlin, Germany. The focus of this expansion? None other than the adorable yet enigmatic Labubu plush toys.
Labubu, a creation of Hong Kong-Dutch designer Kasing Lung, first emerged in 2015 as part of Lung's The Monsters series. However, it was the partnership with Pop Mart in 2019 that catapulted Labubu into global stardom. The character, inspired by Nordic folklore and mythology, has since grown from small vinyl figurines into a broad range of products, including the popular plush toys.
The rise of Labubu can be attributed to several factors. High-profile endorsements by celebrities such as Lisa from K-pop group Blackpink, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and David Beckham have played a significant role. These celebrities have been seen carrying the toy or posting it on social media, starting from 2024, transforming Labubu into a cultural icon representing joy, mischief, and creativity among toy collectors and art enthusiasts.
The excitement around Labubu is also fuelled by the "blind box" format—sealed packages with random versions to collect—adding a "thrill of the hunt" to buying. This element has contributed to the demand for Labubu plush toys reaching extraordinary levels. There is a reported three-month waiting list for certain plush versions at flagship Pop Mart stores, and limited editions and large-sized Labubus have sold at auction for prices as high as $150,000 to $170,000.
Pop Mart expects this craze to triple its revenue and profits, underscoring Labubu’s commercial impact. The demand for Labubu in Germany, a major European market, reflects a growing interest in designer collectible toys and Asian pop culture trends. The global exposure from celebrities and social media has created international excitement beyond China and Asia. Opening a dedicated Labubu store in Germany meets strong European collector demand and helps Pop Mart expand its international retail footprint.
Enthusiasts and collectors eager to buy original Labubu merchandise often face long wait times and scarcity in their regions, fueling demand for an official local outlet. The first Labubu store in Germany is a strategic move to address this intense collector demand, driven by social media hype, celebrity influence, and the exclusive appeal of Labubu merchandise worldwide.
As Labubu continues to captivate hearts and minds, it's clear that the trend is far from over. With Pop Mart's expansion into Berlin, the stage is set for Labubu to continue its global conquest, one plush toy at a time.
Shoppers eager to indulge in the latest Labubu merchandise will find an array of products in the new home-and-garden, lifestyle, and shopping sections of the upcoming Pop Mart stores in Berlin, Germany. The anticipated opening of a dedicated Labubu store in Europe caters to the growing demand for original Labubu items, fueled by social media hype, celebrity influence, and the exclusive appeal of the iconic plush toy.
