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Part Toy, Part Fashion, the Arrival of the Viral Labubu Was a Long Time in the Making

  • The Labubu plush toy, created in 2015 by artist Kasing Lung, gained popularity through Pop Mart starting in 2019 in China and globally.
  • Labubu's rise followed Lung's 2019 deal with Pop Mart to distribute figurines and 2023 key ring plush releases boosted celebrity and influencer interest.
  • Labubu's viral success on TikTok, including 1.4 million posts and fan unboxing videos, helped Pop Mart more than double revenue to $1.81 billion in 2024.
  • Revenue from Labubu plush toys soared over 1,200% in 2024, driven by adult buyers in the U.S. who spent $800 million more, with many priced $20 to $300.
  • Pop Mart is expanding U.S. retail by 50 stores in 2025 and planning seasonal Labubu releases despite supply challenges and trade negotiation impacts on pricing.
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Labubu, the plush toy from China's Pop Mart, is a social media sensation, but the toothy little monsters weren't an overnight success. After appearing a decade ago, the Labubu…

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Live Mint broke the news in New Delhi, India on Monday, June 2, 2025.
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