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yesterday

Pop Mart Pauses In-Store Labubu Sales, Ramps Up Distribution Channels

Chaotic store crowds triggered safety measures that bolster supply through expanded retail outlets plus vending machines.

A Labubu doll purchased at Dolphin Mall in Miami, believed to be a counterfeit Labubu.
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Overview

  • Pop Mart has temporarily suspended in-store and blind-box machine sales in certain regions after chaotic crowds and reported fights in stores competing for Labubu dolls.
  • The blind-box model, offering a 1-in-72 chance of securing a rare secret edition, has driven over 1.4 million #labubu TikTok posts and spurred global unboxing trends.
  • Celebrity endorsements from Rihanna, Dua Lipa, BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Lizzo have amplified demand and fueled a secondary market where rare editions fetch thousands on eBay and StockX.
  • Pop Mart’s annual report shows revenue more than doubled in 2024 to $1.81 billion, with a 1,200% surge in plush toy sales accounting for nearly 22% of its total revenue.
  • To meet soaring demand, Pop Mart plans to open 50 additional U.S. retail outlets by year-end and boost its online drops alongside vending machine deployments.