Labubu: The human-sized doll sold for more than $150,000

A recent auction dedicated exclusively to the highly sought-after Labubu figurines has captivated collectors and fans alike. The event featured 48 limited-edition items, drawing a crowd of nearly 200 eager participants and raising an impressive 3.37 million yuan.

The surge in demand for Labubu toys has been fueled by frequent appearances on social media, especially in posts by Lisa of Blackpink, as well as other international celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and even David Beckham, who shared an image of the toy clipped to his bag on Instagram.

Originally sold through Chinese retailer Pop Mart, Labubu dolls are typically packaged in “blind boxes”, a mystery format that has become a hit among collectors. Buyers don’t know which design they’ll receive until they open the box, enhancing the thrill and rarity of certain figures.

The popularity boom has not come without controversy. Earlier this year, Pop Mart withdrew the dolls from all UK outlets after reports of customer altercations and scuffles over the toys surfaced. Still, that hasn’t slowed the brand’s momentum.

Thanks in part to Labubu’s viral success on platforms like TikTok, Pop Mart reported a revenue of 13 million yuan in 2024, more than double its earnings from the previous year. The company also expanded its international footprint, opening new stores in Italy, Spain, and three other countries.