Backlash Erupts as Labubu Dolls Withdrawn from UK Retail
May 23, 2025 – The popular Labubu dolls, known for their quirky charm, have sparked outrage among fans after Pop Mart, their manufacturer, announced the temporary suspension of sales in the UK. This decision comes in response to reports of chaotic scenes at stores, including instances of customers wrestling over limited stock.
According to a statement made to the BBC, Pop Mart has opted to pause sales of Labubu dolls in all 16 UK locations until June, citing the need to avert any possible safety concerns. The brand reported that they are re-evaluating their sales strategies to ensure a smoother customer experience upon their return.
Fans Witness Disturbances
Victoria Calvert, a dedicated fan, described the pandemonium she observed during her visit to the Stratford store in London. “The situation was escalating out of control,” she recounted. “I felt genuinely scared amid the yelling and fighting.” Victoria arrived to find a throng of fellow enthusiasts who had been waiting since the early morning hours, keen on securing their cherished dolls.
“When I got there, it was clear that people were in a frenzy. Some were even shouting that the Labubus were all sold out,” she continued. “I ended up leaving because I didn’t want to be part of that environment. It was alarming.”
The Rise of Labubu Dolls
Originally designed by acclaimed artist Kasing Lung, Labubu has garnered immense popularity, functioning not only as toys but also as fashion statements, especially after being spotted on celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa. In the UK, the prices for these dolls range from an affordable £13.50 to upwards of £50, while rare editions draw resale prices in the hundreds on platforms such as eBay and Vinted.
Customer Reactions
The announcement from Pop Mart has not been well-received across social media, with many fans expressing their frustration over the scarcity of stock and the role of resellers in the market. “It’s your fault for not distributing stock evenly,” remarked one user on Instagram. Another fan lamented, “Resellers are ruining it for the genuine fans; I can’t afford to pay £100 for one Labubu!”
Victoria commented that she suspected some of the individuals at the front of the queue were resellers, quickly flipping tickets for dolls at exorbitant prices. “They were selling their tickets just after getting them, which is totally unfair to genuine fans,” she said.
Implications of the Suspension
Experts from the retail sector are weighing in on the effects of Pop Mart’s decision. Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, noted that while the decision to halt sales may lessen the immediate chaos, it could fuel further desire among collectors. “Restrictions like these can build demand and may push more fans towards resale sites where counterfeit products are a significant risk,” she warned.
Despite the turmoil, some fans, such as Jaydee, who creates TikTok content centered around unboxing Labubu dolls, expressed relief at the pause. “This is a good move for true fans. I don’t want to endure the anxiety of long lines just to get one toy,” she explained.
Table: Labubu Dolls Price and Resale Information
| Type | Average Store Price | Resale Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Edition | £13.50 – £50 | £50 – £100 |
| Rare Edition | Varies | £100+ |
| Counterfeit | N/A | Variable |
Looking Ahead
Amidst the controversy, Pop Mart remains committed to rectifying the situation. The company is currently developing a fairer system aimed at enhancing the purchasing experience when Labubu dolls are reintroduced in June. They stressed that the large queues and the kind of experience they have witnessed are not reflective of the brand’s values.
The Labubu saga continues as fans eagerly await the dolls’ return and hope that their passion will be met with a more equitable and enjoyable purchasing process.
