By Marty Wright | South African Collector | HobbyDB Contributor
Labubu, a quirky monster character created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung (also in jest, sometimes referred to as the Devil’s Pet), gained immense popularity through collaborations with Pop Mart. The dolls became a fashion accessory trend, especially after being showcased by celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa. Their limited availability and unique designs led to a surge in demand, with prices ranging from £13.50 to £50, and rare editions fetching hundreds on resale platforms like and eBay or here on hobbyDB.
In May 2025, reports emerged of customers queuing overnight and engaging in disputes over the limited stock of Labubu dolls. One notable incident occurred at Pop Mart’s Stratford store in London, where a customer reported witnessing a fight between a worker and a shopper. The chaotic environment led to feelings of fear and discomfort among patrons.
In response, Pop Mart announced a temporary halt on Labubu sales across all 16 of its UK stores until June, stating the decision was made to “prevent any potential safety issues.”
Proponents of Pop Mart’s decision argue that:
Customer and Staff Safety: The primary responsibility of any retailer is to ensure the safety of its customers and staff. Given the reported incidents, the suspension was a proactive measure to prevent further altercations.
Preventing Escalation: By pausing sales, Pop Mart aimed to diffuse the intense demand and allow time to implement better crowd management strategies.
Corporate Responsibility: Taking swift action in the face of safety concerns demonstrates corporate accountability and a commitment to consumer well-being.
On the other hand, critics contend that:
Punishing the Majority: The decision penalises the vast majority of fans who engage in lawful and peaceful purchasing behaviour due to the actions of a few.
Fuelling Resale Markets: The suspension may inadvertently boost the resale market, allowing scalpers to exploit the scarcity and inflate prices further.
Lack of Alternative Measures: Instead of a complete halt, Pop Mart could have explored other solutions like online lotteries, appointment-based shopping, or increased stock distribution to meet demand.
Let’s take a playful detour and address the (mostly joking) theory echoing across fan forums and meme culture: is Labubu the Devil’s pet?
The argument goes like this: any toy that causes grown adults to camp out in freezing temperatures, fight over blind boxes, and pay hundreds on resale sites for a 3-inch gremlin with a mischievous smile must be evil incarnate… right?
But here’s the counter: Labubu isn’t evil — it’s misunderstood. With its snaggle-toothed grin and impish design, Labubu embodies rebellion and whimsy, not wickedness. It’s a reminder that in the sterile world of mass-produced toys, something weird, niche, and chaotic can still rise to the top.
Perhaps the real culprit isn’t Labubu, but our own human obsession with exclusivity, status symbols, and digital clout. In that sense, Labubu is less “demonic doll” and more “mirror to the madness of modern fandom.”
The Labubu situation underscores the challenges retailers face in the age of viral trends and social media-driven demand. Companies must balance capitalising on popularity with ensuring safe and equitable access for consumers.
Implementing robust crowd management strategies, transparent communication, and fair purchasing systems can help mitigate risks associated with high-demand products.
Pop Mart’s decision to suspend Labubu sales in the UK reflects a cautious approach to emerging safety concerns. While the intent to protect customers and staff is commendable, the move also highlights the need for retailers to develop comprehensive strategies to manage product demand surges without alienating their consumer base.
As the company works on a “fairer system” for future sales, this incident serves as a case study in navigating the complexities of modern retail in the digital age — with a mischievous little monster leading the charge.
Let us hear your thoughts. Comment below and let us know your take on this!
References:
Labubu fan fury after dolls pulled from stores
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