Image Source: South China Morning Post
Key Highlights
Labubu is a designer collectible toy series by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, produced and sold globally by Chinese company Pop Mart
The toys are sold mainly as blind boxes, creating excitement as buyers don’t know which variation they’ll receive until opening
Labubu figures, keychains, and accessories can be bought through authorized Pop Mart outlets, selective retail stores in the UK, and trusted online marketplaces
Popular physical locations for Labubu shopping include the Pop Mart flagship store at 262 Oxford Street, London, and Pop Mart vending machines known as Robo Shops in London and Reading
Online channels such as Pop Mart UK website, Pop Mart’s TikTok Shop, and e-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, StockX, and Depop provide access, though limited stock means fast sell-outs and premium resale prices
Buyers should carefully verify authenticity to avoid counterfeits called "lafufus"; genuine Labubus feature Pop Mart branding, collector cards with QR codes, and high-quality packaging
What Are Labubu Toys?
Labubu is a quirky, fanged, elf-like creature with oversized ears and a wide grin, created by artist Kasing Lung as part of his “The Monsters” series. These collectible vinyl or plush figures launched globally via Pop Mart in 2019 and quickly became a viral phenomenon. Their unique design, coupled with a gamified “blind box” purchase style where the variant is a surprise, has driven strong fan excitement and demand.
Where to Buy Labubu Toys in the UK and Beyond
Physical Stores and Vending Machines
Pop Mart Flagship Store (262 Oxford Street, London): Sells exclusive Labubu drops, collectible figures, and accessories
Pop Mart Robo Shops: Automated vending machines situated in major cities like London and Reading dispensing blind boxes and related products
Department Stores: Select retailers such as Selfridges have pop-ups or areas dedicated to Pop Mart products including Labubu collections (usually available only in-store)
Toy Shops: Hamleys and similar specialty toy retailers also stock Labubu figures, often via reservation or limited drops
Online Official Channels
Pop Mart UK Website: Offers periodic limited releases of Labubu blind boxes, though stock sells out quickly
Pop Mart TikTok Shop: Offers Labubu toys alongside interactive live streams where customers have reported better chances of purchasing rare variants
Reliable Online Marketplaces (Second-hand and Hard-to-find Items)
Amazon (Pop Mart Store and Resale): Genuine Labubus appear sporadically; prices often above retail due to scarcity
eBay and Depop: Popular for buying sealed blind boxes or rare collectibles; buyers should check seller ratings and authentication
StockX: Verified marketplace guaranteeing authenticity, though prices are higher than retail, often double or triple
Etsy: Features some handmade or custom Labubu-themed items, and occasional seller stock of genuine figures
Authenticity Checks to Avoid Counterfeits
Look for the Pop Mart logo on the packaging and the figure’s base or tag
Genuine figures include a “Pop Card” collector card with the character’s name, illustration, a QR code linking to the Pop Mart website, and branding
Proper packaging features high-quality printing, vibrant colors, and no spelling mistakes
Figures should have nine teeth, be sturdy, and display good paint job quality
Beware very cheap or suspiciously priced offers, especially on second-hand platforms, as counterfeit “lafufus” have flooded the market
Additional Labubu Products and Accessories
Pop Mart also sells themed Labubu accessories such as earphone cases and mini bags, with prices typically around £14. Outfits and apparel for Labubu dolls are available on platforms like Amazon and Etsy, expanding the collectible experience beyond basic figures.
Pricing and Collectibility
Retail blind boxes usually cost around £17.50. Limited editions and rare “Secret” variants can fetch prices ranging from hundreds up to six-figure sums at auction, signaling Labubu’s status as both toy and luxury collectible.
Buying Tips for Labubu Collectors
Follow Pop Mart’s official social media profiles and sign up on their website to get advance info on drop dates
Monitor live streams on Pop Mart’s TikTok shop for pop-up sales events
Consider visiting physical stores or vending machines for immediate purchases without online competition
Use verified sellers on resale sites and pay attention to authenticity guides to avoid fakes
Join collector communities and forums to share tips and authenticate purchases
Summary
Labubu collectibles, with their unique design and blind box mystery, remain highly sought-after by toy lovers and collectors worldwide. To buy authentic Labubus, fans should target official Pop Mart physical stores like the Oxford Street flagship, Robo Shops in major UK cities, and trusted online platforms including Pop Mart’s official website and TikTok Shop. Due to high demand, limited stock, and prevalence of fakes, careful buyer diligence is essential to ensure genuine purchase and to avoid counterfeit items.
Sources: Independent UK, Which.co.uk
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