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What begins as a tooth‑grinning elf in a mystery box has morphed into one of the most talked‑about collectibles of 2025. Meet Labubu—the mischievous Pop Mart monster whose blend of quirky charm, addictive "blind‑box" mechanics and social‑media virality has sent markets, influencers and collectors into a madness.
Following pop culture stampedes in London, Beijing, and New York, the craze is silently fueling demand in Türkiye, where fans are importing rare editions and sharing unboxing videos on TikTok and Instagram.
Labubu, created by Hong Kong–Belgian artist Kasing Lung, debuted in 2015 and took off internationally after partnering with Pop Mart in 2019.
Designed as quirky, tooth‑grinning plush and vinyl monsters sold in "blind boxes," they deliver a surprise-unboxing thrill that’s driven their popularity among fans and collectors.
The dolls became an icon after BLACKPINK’s Lisa was seen with one in 2024. The trend was fueled further by endorsements from celebrities like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa, David Beckham and Lizzo.
Pop Mart reportedly generated sales of over 6.3 billion RMB ( $870 million) in the first half of 2024.
Blind boxes priced around US$15–$30, sometimes £17–£50, conceal designs with rare variants commanding astronomical resale values—ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
A 131-centimeter-tall mint green Labubu sold for 1.08 million yuan (U.S. $150,000 / €131,600) at a Beijing auction in June 2025, highlighting the toy’s high-stakes collector market.
Fierce demand has led to queues at events like San Diego Comic‑Con and even chaotic scenes at Pop Mart stores in Berlin, London, and Los Angeles.
In some cases, the U.K. halted sales in all its Pop Mart stores due to reported fights and safety concerns in queues.
Labubu plush toys are not just cute collectibles—they’ve sparked a full-blown craze across Türkiye! In lively neighborhoods like Eminonu and Nisantasi, these vibrant, bunny-themed plushies have become a must-have item among the public.
Driving much of this buzz is the power of social media, where influencers and everyday fans showcase their collections, host giveaways, and spark trends that ripple across Türkiye’s digital landscape.
The Labubu phenomenon is proving that a simple plush toy can ignite a nationwide movement, turning casual buyers into devoted collectors and communities.
According to Anadolu Agency (AA), in a significant operation, the Ministry of Trade's Customs Enforcement teams intercepted 132 Labubu plush toys at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen Airport. The toys, valued at approximately ₺659,000 ($16.243,53), were found in the luggage of two passengers who had declared no goods by using the green channel.
The Turkish authorities' swift action underscores the importance of regulating the import and sale of such collectibles, ensuring compliance with local laws and protecting consumers from counterfeit products.
As the Labubu phenomenon continues to expand, both globally and locally, it remains to be seen how authorities will balance the demand for these trendy items with the need for regulation and oversight.
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