August 30, 2025

The new mini Labubu dolls by Chinese toy giant Pop Mart caused a huge buzz worldwide! Almost as soon as sales opened, the cute rabbit-eared toys disappeared off the shelves in China and major markets like the US, Japan, and South Korea. The online store in China even froze due to a massive rush. These tiny dolls, about 10.5 cm tall, come in 28 colorful versions and cost just 79 yuan ($11) each – but good luck buying one! There’s also a rare chance (1 in 168) to find a special edition doll. Richard Lin, an analyst from SPDB International, said, “The popularity of the new series has already demonstrated that consumers’ enthusiasm for Labubu remains strong.” Despite this craze, Pop Mart’s shares dipped slightly by 0.6% after earlier fluctuations. The company’s stock is still soaring, up 260% this year, making founder and CEO Wang Ning one of China’s youngest billionaires. Collecting and reselling these dolls has become a goldmine. Take Xiaolei Wang, a 26-year-old programmer from Beijing, who snagged a full 14-box set amid the frenzy. “I’m going to sell the whole package. I’m not keeping Labubus for myself,” she said. Xiaolei has made over $7,000 buying and flipping these toys in the last year! Resale prices can be double or more than the original cost, with some sets selling for 2,600 yuan ($380). Pop Mart also added a bigger premium Labubu for 499 yuan and a themed pendant to thrill fans. Analysts say this tiny toy line is attracting fans who love phone charms and small accessories. On Chinese social media Xiaohongshu, fans share pictures, swap dolls, and chat about their Labubu collections. But not all are happy—some buyers complain about crooked heads and uneven parts on their mini Labubus. Pop Mart didn’t comment on these issues but said they increased supply to make the dolls easier to get. The frenzy reminds many of the Beanie Babies craze in the US, where rare toys flew off shelves decades ago before demand crashed hard. CEO Wang explains, “The hand-sewn complexity of the dolls limits production speed, giving rise to the scarcity that’s in part driving consumer frenzy.” Online resellers were selling the dolls at huge markups even before launch, with full cases going for more than double the retail price. The craze is so hot that fake mini Labubus are now popping up, and China’s customs officials recently seized hundreds of knockoffs. In the US, these minis cost $22.99 each – twice the China price. Pop Mart’s secret weapon? The blind-box model where buyers don’t know which doll they get, keeping the excitement and mystery alive. Celebrity fans like BlackPink’s Lisa and David Beckham have also made these toys hotter than ever. Whether you’re a collector or just love cute toys, Pop Mart’s mini Labubu dolls are the hottest ticket of the moment. Buy fast or miss out!

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Tags: Pop mart, Labubu, Toy craze, Collectibles, Resale market, China,