Chaotic rush at the inaugural Labubu store in Berlin, Germany - Berlin's inaugural Labubu store, a German retail establishment
Labubu Fever Sweeps Berlin as Pop Mart Opens First German Store
The adorable yet peculiar plush toys known as Labubu have taken Berlin, Germany, by storm. The round-eyed, sharp-toothed creatures, created by Chinese artist Kasing Lung and produced by the Chinese brand Pop Mart, have become an internet sensation, with their whimsical charm captivating collectors and trend followers alike[1][2].
Pop Mart, a leading toymaker with over 400 stores worldwide, is at the heart of this global phenomenon. The brand opened its first official Labubu store in Berlin's Alexa shopping center at Alexanderplatz, an event that drew massive crowds and long lines, with some fans waiting hours to get their hands on these sought-after toys[1][2].
The mystery-box sales format of Labubu toys adds an element of surprise, encouraging customers to buy multiple boxes to collect their favourite figures. This strategy, combined with Pop Mart's viral unboxing videos and collaborations with iconic brands like Mickey Mouse, has helped fuel a booming collector culture[1][2].
The city of Berlin, known for its avant-garde vibe, has provided the perfect backdrop for Labubu's popularity. The shopping center had been preparing for a massive influx of people for weeks, with fans travelling from as far as Bayern and Sachsen-Anhalt to wait in line[1][2].
Influencers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram have played a significant role in popularizing Labubu. They often share videos of themselves unboxing the surprise boxes, adding to the excitement and hype surrounding these quirky toys[1][2].
The hype in Berlin is a testament to the unique design of the Labubu toys, the mystery-box sales format, Pop Mart's innovative marketing strategies, and the broader global collector culture around designer toys, with Pop Mart valued at $40 billion[1][2].
As the first Labubu store in Germany, Berlin's Alexa shopping center is now a hotspot for Labubu enthusiasts, with some fans even bringing their own collection to the store. The Labubu trend shows no signs of slowing down, with Pop Mart planning to open two more stores in Berlin in the near future[1][2].
[1] Pop Mart Official Website: https://www.popmart.com/ [2] Labubu Official Website: https://www.labubu.com/ [3] Labubu Berlin Store Opening Announcement: https://www.popmart.com/news/labubu-berlin-store-opening
- The community of Labubu enthusiasts in Berlin are eagerly awaiting the implementation of specific policies for the official Labubu store, such as return policies, customer service policies, and operational hours, as these will greatly impact their shopping experience.
- The success of the Labubu trend in Berlin has highlighted the need for a comprehensive community policy that addresses lifestyle, home-and-garden, deals-and-discounts, and shopping-related aspects within the Labubu fanbase, fostering a sense of unity and encouraging further growth in this niche market.
