Outrage Grows Among Labubu Doll Enthusiasts as Pop Mart Halts Sales
Fans of the trending Labubu dolls have expressed their frustration on social media after the toy’s manufacturer, Pop Mart, announced the suspension of sales in all UK stores. The decision comes in response to alarming reports of physical altercations among customers vying to purchase the collectible figures.
Pop Mart has decided to temporarily withdraw the toys from its 16 UK locations until early June to mitigate safety risks. A spokesperson for Pop Mart noted the company’s commitment to ensuring a safe shopping environment for its customers.
Customer Chaos
Victoria Calvert, an avid Labubu fan, recounted a distressing experience at a Stratford location in London. “It was absolutely chaotic,” she described. “I was shocked to see the level of aggression among shoppers. People were shouting and pushing each other; it felt unsafe.”
Calvert arrived early to the store only to find dozens of other enthusiasts who had camped overnight, intensifying the already tense atmosphere. “I saw people who had been waiting since 3 AM, and when I got there, everyone was anxious and frustrated because they were told there were no more Labubus available. It was a scary situation,” she shared.
Despite no reported injuries to Pop Mart employees, the retailer opted for this preemptive measure to avoid any further disarray among its customer base.
Popularity and Reselling Issues
Labubu dolls, characterized by their quirky monster designs, have surged in popularity, propelled by endorsements from celebrities such as Rihanna and Dua Lipa. Currently, the dolls’ prices in the UK range from £13.50 to £50, with limited editions fetching exorbitant sums on resale platforms, with some resellers reportedly asking for prices as high as £150 per doll.
Criticism has erupted on social media directed not only at Pop Mart’s stock management but also at resellers profiting from the toy’s scarcity. One user on Instagram remarked, “The hype was created because of your supply issues.” Others expressed dismay, stating, “It’s unfair that resellers are flipping them for outrageous prices while true fans are left empty-handed.”
What’s Next for Labubu?
In response to the mounting pressure and ticket scalping complaints, Pop Mart indicated that they are working on a more balanced system for when the dolls reappear in stores. Reseller activity remains a contentious topic among fans, as many believe that the resale market diminishes the excitement surrounding the Labubu trend.
Marketing executive Jaydee, who shares Labubu unboxing videos on TikTok, pointed out the detrimental impact of resellers on the community. “I’ve seen this happen before—resellers turn a fun experience into something out of reach for genuine fans. However, this pause in sales might just be the solution we needed,” she stated.
Economic Implications
Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, noted that Pop Mart’s decision to limit stock and introduce uncertainty has contributed to rising excitement, but managing the overwhelming crowds has become challenging for the brand. “Booting up the excitement with limited availability has backfired slightly,” she explained. “There’s no doubt that demand will spike again once they return, but the risk also grows of counterfeit products infiltrating the market.”
Retail Strategy Moving Forward
Industry expert Sarah Johnson commented on the strategic aspects of Pop Mart’s decision, emphasizing that scarcity is a critical marketing tool for collectible brands. As Pop Mart prepares to revamp its sales strategy, they remain committed to fostering a positive customer experience upon the dolls’ return to physical retail.
| Doll Edition | Retail Price (£) | Resale Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 13.50 – 50 | Up to 100 |
| Limited Edition | Varies | Hundreds |
