amynicole – Pop Mart has removed Labubu dolls from all UK stores following reports of aggressive fights between customers. The company paused sales in its 16 UK shops until June, citing safety concerns. Labubu, a popular collectible monster doll, sparked intense demand after becoming a viral trend on TikTok and being seen on celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa. Fans flooded stores, with some camping overnight and others arriving early morning. One shopper, Victoria Calvert, described the scene in the Stratford store as chaotic and frightening. Pop Mart decided to stop in-store sales early to prevent any injuries and maintain a safe environment for customers and staff.
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High Demand Fueled by Scarcity and Reselling Problems
Labubu’s popularity has led to a major resale market, where rare dolls sell for hundreds of pounds. Prices in the UK range from £13.50 to £50 in stores, but some resellers charge up to £150 or more online. Many fans accuse resellers of creating artificial shortages, worsening customer frustration. Victoria Calvert noted that some people queued overnight likely to resell their dolls at inflated prices. Social media users voiced anger at Pop Mart’s slow stock releases and the impact of resellers on genuine fans. Pop Mart is now working on a fairer system to manage future sales and reduce hype caused by limited stock.
Viral Trend and Celebrity Endorsement Boost Labubu’s Popularity
Labubu, designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, gained fame through Pop Mart collaborations and viral social media trends. Celebrities wearing Labubu accessories helped push the dolls into fashion and collectible circles worldwide. This sudden fame caused UK stores to experience overwhelming crowds. The dolls come in blind boxes, adding excitement but also uncertainty in availability. Experts warn that such scarcity-driven sales strategies, while boosting interest, can lead to uncontrolled crowd behavior and negative shopping experiences. Pop Mart’s pause aims to protect its brand and customers.
Fans Share Frustration Over Store Closures and Resellers
Online Labubu fans expressed frustration after stores removed the dolls. Many blamed the limited stock and reseller market for the chaos. Fans feel disappointed and excluded, especially when resellers sell dolls for much higher prices. Some social media comments called for Pop Mart to improve how they release stock to prevent hoarding. Victoria described witnessing fights and aggressive behavior at the store, emphasizing how unsafe the environment became. Despite the disappointment, some agree with the decision to halt sales temporarily to improve safety and fairness.
Pop Mart Promises New Release System and Return in June
Pop Mart acknowledged the challenges caused by large queues and the intense demand for Labubu dolls. They stressed the need to redesign the sales process to make it fairer and safer for all customers. The company confirmed that Labubu dolls will return to physical stores in June with a new system intended to avoid chaos. Industry experts say that maintaining scarcity helps maintain Labubu’s appeal but warn that unchecked demand could damage the brand. Pop Mart’s pause aims to balance excitement with customer safety and long-term brand health. Fans are advised to watch for official updates on when and how the dolls will be available again.
