Fans Outraged as Labubu Dolls Pulled from UK Stores Amid Escalating Fights
Date: 23 May 2025
Source: BBC News
Fans of the popular Labubu dolls have expressed their frustration online following the decision by Pop Mart, the toy’s manufacturer, to suspend sales of the collectible monsters across its UK stores. This move arrives on the heels of alarming incidents of customer altercations in stores where the dolls were stocked.
In an effort to avoid potential safety hazards, Pop Mart announced that sales in all 16 of its locations would be halted until June. A representative for the company informed the BBC, “Although no Pop Mart employees have been injured, we’ve chosen to act early to prevent any potential safety issues from occurring.”
Customer Experiences Spark Concern
Victoria Calvert, a fan of the Labubu dolls, recounted the chaotic scene she encountered at the Pop Mart store in Stratford, London. “It was just getting ridiculous to be in that situation where people were fighting and shouting, and you felt scared,” she said. Victoria reported that on arrival, she met several eager customers who had queued since the early hours of the morning, with some even spending the night outside the shop.
Describing the atmosphere, Victoria stated, “When I got there, there were big crowds of people hovering around the shop, and there was this really negative vibe. People were shouting, basically saying there were no more Labubus left. I even witnessed a fight between a worker and a customer.” Feeling unsafe, she opted to leave without making a purchase, acknowledging that the decision by Pop Mart to pause sales was likely for the best.
The Rise of Labubu Dolls
The Labubu dolls, a whimsical monster creation by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, have surged in popularity, particularly among young fans on social media platforms like TikTok. The dolls have become trendy fashion accessories, especially after being donned by celebrities such as Rihanna and Dua Lipa. Due to their popularity, prices for these dolls can vary significantly in the UK, ranging from £13.50 to over £50 for standard editions, with rare collectibles fetching upwards of £100 on resale platforms.
Resellers Under Fire
Online outrage from fans has centered not only on Pop Mart’s decision but also on the role of resellers in the limited availability of Labubu dolls. One social media user lamented, “It’s your fault for drip feeding stock to us that’s caused this hype,” suggesting that the company’s approach contributed to the current frenzy. Others have criticized resellers for driving prices up, with some listings reaching £100 or more for a single doll.
Another Labubu enthusiast, Jaydee, expressed concern that the resale market was ruining the playful nature of the trend for genuine fans. “I’ve lived in London my whole life, and there is a resale crowd who do this. It’s really unfortunate, but for the real fans, this is great news and the right decision,” they commented.
Market Insights and Future Plans
Retail analysts have noted that the sudden suspension of sales could further intensify demand for Labubu dolls. Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, indicated that the chaotic scenes on stock drop days have posed challenges for Pop Mart. “Out-of-control crowds could affect ultimately the brand’s playful and fun appeal, which is likely to be why sales have been paused,” she explained.
In response to the ongoing issues, Pop Mart has pledged to establish a more equitable sales system for their returning dolls in June. The company aims to enhance the customer experience and limit the chaotic scenes seen in recent weeks.
| Doll Edition | Retail Price | Resale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | £13.50 – £50 | Up to £100 |
| Rare Edition | Varies | £100+ |
