The Unexpected Rise of Labubu Dolls

The Labubu dolls are everywhere. They are the latest trend. Young adults are lining up for hours, even overnight, to get their hands on these plush monsters. Some are even paying huge sums at auctions for rare ones. It is a craze that has taken the world by storm, and it all began in a small toy store in Beijing. The company behind these dolls is Pop Mart. It has become a global powerhouse. It is worth 46. 1 billion dollars. This success is not just about the Labubu dolls. Pop Mart also sells other collectibles like Crybaby figurines and Molly dolls. These items are packed in blind boxes, adding an element of surprise and excitement. Last year, Pop Mart made 1. 8 billion dollars in revenue. Wang Ning is the mastermind behind Pop Mart. He started the company in 2010 after graduating from university. His first store was in Beijing's tech hub, Zhongguancun. It sold toys, comics, and phone accessories. But Wang saw the potential in collectible toys. He partnered with Hong Kong artist Kenny Wong to launch the Molly line in 2016. These toys were sold in blind boxes, which became a hit with consumers. The Labubu dolls, designed by Kasing Lung, are a big part of Pop Mart's success. These dolls have a unique design—a monkey's body with an elf's face. They are not just toys. They have become fashion accessories. Celebrities like Dua Lipa and Rihanna have been seen with them. The dolls have taken over social media, with people sharing their collections and unboxing videos. Pop Mart is not just about dolls. It has over 530 stores worldwide, an amusement park in Beijing, and 46 million members in China. It went public in 2020, raising 676 million dollars. Its shares have been soaring since then. The company is planning to open 50 more stores in the U. S. this year. It is clear that Pop Mart is here to stay. But will the Labubu craze last? Only time will tell.