Pop Mart Suspends Labubu Blind Box Sales in the UK Over Safety Concerns

Pop Mart, a Chinese designer toy company, has temporarily suspended all physical sales of its popular Labubu blind boxes in the UK due to crowding and safety concerns.

• The suspension affects all retail stores and Roboshop vending machines in the country.

• The decision came after massive crowds gathered at store restocks, creating safety hazards and crowd control issues.

• Despite halting offline sales, online purchases of Labubu remain available.

About Labubu:

• Labubu is a quirky character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, first introduced in 2015 and launched as a blind box figure by Pop Mart in 2019.

• Its “ugly-cute” design has become a global sensation, especially on TikTok where unboxing videos and collectors’ showcases go viral.

Market Impact:

• The popularity has caused secondhand prices to skyrocket, with some Labubu variants selling for several times their retail value.

• According to reports, Labubu’s “The Monsters” collection generated over ¥3.04 billion (~USD 420 million) in 2024 alone, making up 23% of Pop Mart’s total revenue.

Future Plans:

• Pop Mart has not yet announced when in-store sales in the UK will resume but stated they are assessing the situation to ensure customer safety and shopping experience.