How would you feel if your favourite toy suddenly disappeared from store shelves? Heartbroken, right? That’s exactly how people across the UK felt when Labubu dolls were unexpectedly removed from stores.

Those quirky, elf like dolls created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and popularized by Chinese retailer Pop Mart have recently been removed from UK stores. This unprecedented move has disappointed fans and sparked discussions about consumerism and the challenges of managing viral toy phenomena.

The Rise of Labubu

Introduced in 2015, Labubu is part of Lung's "The Monsters" series, inspired by Nordic folklore. The character gained significant attention in 2019 through a collaboration with Pop Mart. The dolls are characterized by their oversized eyes and mischievous smiles, and are sold in blind boxes, adding an element of surprise that has captivated fans worldwide.

Notably, K-pop star Lisa from Blackpink shared photos of herself with Labubu dolls in April 2024, causing a surge in demand. Other celebrities like Dua Lipa and Rihanna have also been spotted with these toys. On social media platforms like TikTok, the hashtag #Labubu has garnered over 1.4 million posts, reflecting the dolls' virality.

Reasons for Removal

Labubu dolls were temporarily removed from UK stores due to the rise of safety concerns and market issues. The dolls' immense popularity, because of social media and celebrity endorsements, led to massive crowds at Pop Mart stores, resulting in long queues and even physical fights among shoppers. To ensure public safety, Pop Mart paused in-store sales across its 16 UK locations.

Fake versions of Labubu, often referred to as "Lafufu," have flooded markets, especially in Asia. These replicated dolls are not only of inferior quality but have also raised health concerns. In the Philippines, unauthorized Labubu inspired dolls were found to contain toxic chemicals like lead and phthalates, posing risks to consumers, particularly children.

Some took to social media to share their experiences, with reports of thefts and scams related to the dolls. In the U.S., a fan's car was broken into, and three Labubu dolls worth approximately £128 were stolen. In Malaysia, a woman lost nearly RM20,000 in an Instagram scam while attempting to purchase the dolls.

A notable incident involved Love Island star Mal Nicol, who recounted a confrontation with a shopper accused of hoarding dolls for resale, sparking discussions about fairness and consumer rights.

Fan Reactions

One passionate collector expressed their frustration, stating:

I can't even get one box...it's always sold out.

Another fan shared their emotional connection to the dolls:

When you're having a rough time... it's a big serotonin boost to not only buy a collectible and keep it, but share the experience with other people as well.

The community's deep attachment to Labubu dolls was evident, with many expressing hope for their return to store shelves. As one user aptly commented:

Welcome to the cult. I am already praying for your bank account; once it starts, it never ends.

Pop Mart has announced that in-store sales of Labubu dolls will resume this June, with a more organized and fair distribution system in place to ensure a smoother experience for the consumers. As the excitement builds once again, we would love to know whether you are a Labubu fan too. Share your thoughts and favourite collectibles in the comments below!

#LabubuDolls #SafetyFirst #Collectibles #ToyTrends #KasingLung