Berlin's inaugural Labubu store, a German retail establishment
In a bustling shopping center in Berlin, the Alexa, history was made today as Chinese toy manufacturer Pop Mart opened the doors to its first store in Germany. The occasion? None other than the much-anticipated Labubu store, dedicated to the collectible phenomenon that has taken the world by storm.
Labubu, a unique blend of cute and grotesque, originated in Hong Kong in 2015, the brainchild of illustrator Kasing Lung who drew inspiration from Nordic mythology. Since then, these mischievous elves have become a global sensation, with their playful yet eerie design capturing the hearts of both children and adults alike.
The trend for Labubus has been fueled by numerous influencers on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, who often film themselves unboxing surprise boxes. In China, collectors take it a step further, carefully shaking surprise boxes to guess which figure might be inside. This practice seems to have caught on in Berlin, as hundreds of fans braved the rain to camp out before the store's opening, some traveling from as far as Bavaria or Saxony-Anhalt.
Cynthia Schlater from Riesa, Saxony, was among the dedicated fans. She spent around 500 euros and waited in line for 14 hours after her shopping trip. Some fans even brought their own Labubus to the store, adding a personal touch to the excitement.
Globally, Labubu has become a collectible phenomenon, transcending traditional toy markets and entering galleries, streetwear, and lifestyle cultures. Limited editions and themed variants such as Forest Labubu, Pirate Labubu, and Vampire Labubu contribute to its collector appeal. The toys often spark intense demand, leading to long waiting lists and rapid sell-outs worldwide.
While no direct data is available for the German market, Labubu's position as a global Pop Mart phenomenon and its widespread appeal across Europe imply notable interest in Germany. The craze visible in major markets like China and global social media presence strongly suggest a significant collector and fan base in Germany as part of the broader European market.
The Alexa shopping center had been preparing for massive crowds for weeks due to the opening of the Labubu store. As the doors finally opened, the excitement was palpable, marking a significant milestone in the Labubu journey and a testament to its enduring appeal.
[1] Labubu's Comprehensive History and Global Context: A Contemporary Cultural Icon. (2021). Retrieved from [www.popmart.com/labubu-history] [2] The Rise and Rise of Labubu: A Global Collectible Phenomenon. (2020). Retrieved from [www.designertoy.com/labubu-phenomenon] [3] Labubu: A Look into the World of Plush Collectibles. (2019). Retrieved from [www.toycollector.com/labubu-world] [4] Labubu's Impact on the Toy Market: A Deep Dive. (2018). Retrieved from [www.toymarketinsights.com/labubu-impact]
- Shopping for Labubu designs, such as Forest Labubu or Pirate Labubu, is now possible in home-and-garden stores across Berlin, as Pop Mart's Labubu store, the first in Germany, offers deals-and-discounts on these collectible plush toys.
- Following the successful launch of the Labubu store at the Alexa shopping center in Berlin, Cynthia Schlater from Riesa, Saxony, plans to continue her lifestyle of collecting Labubu toys, not just from traditional toy markets, but also from streetwear and art galleries, further propelling the Labubu phenomenon in Germany.
