Labubu Shopping Frenzy

They look like ordinary adults … but in the dead of night, Australians are queuing in city streets to get their hands on the all new craze 'Labubu'.

The Labubu, a furry plushie featuring a bizarre grin and sharp teeth, has become the ultimate status symbol* after soaring to global fame thanks to huge celebrities such as Rihanna and Dua Lipa.

Designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, the product is sold by Chinese toy company Pop Mart, following a collaboration* with Lung on his storybook series The Monsters, released in 2015.

While the Labubu hit the Asian market in 2019, the slightly angry-looking plushie only took off after Blackpink’s Lisa, a popular K-pop singer, was spotted with a $32 key chain version of the doll attached to her handbag in April 2024. And in just 12 months, the whole world has become hooked, including Australians.

Aussies were first able to get hold of the now-viral toy following Pop Mart’s arrival Down Under in mid-2023.

Fast-forward two years, and there are now 11 Pop Mart stores in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, all of which regularly draw huge crowds hoping to snag an in-demand plushie.

But, as one recent video filmed in Melbourne shows, it’s not children who are frantic for the Labubu – it’s fully-grown adults.

Another clip shows puzzled onlookers watching on as a long queue stretched down Sydney’s Pitt Street recently, prompting the TikTok user to ask: “All for a Labubu?”

Pop Mart, which describes itself as a “rising global force in pop culture* and entertainment”, said the power lies in the “love at first sight” reaction the toys get from loyal followers.

“This isn’t just about ‘toys’ but a collectable, pop culture movement engaging Australian adults like never before,” a Pop Mart spokesperson told news.com.au.

“The excitement here mirrors what we’ve seen in major cities globally, with queues forming around the block as eager collectors hope to get their hands on these unique pieces.