Today Labubu dolls, also called Lafufu or Lafufus, have took the world by storm, mesmerizing MakieMaker creators, collectors, and Youtube influencers. Since 2015, Pop Mart has been producing these collectible furry keyrings out of Shenzhen. They’ve become incredibly trendy, notably with celebs such as Rihanna and Lisa of K-pop band Blackpink. As their popularity explodes, the dolls face some painful threats. They fight a war on fakes and have recently been subjected to strong-arm tactics by the Chinese government.
The demand for Labubu dolls is real, with retail prices in UK stores now up to £17.50. In China, government-mandated prices extend from a low 99 yuan (around £10.30) to 399 yuan (about £41.40). The resale market has seen an amazing skyrocketing of prices. It’s no wonder that this red-hot trend is moving the dolls into the must-have category for avid collectors.
Chinese authorities are touting Labubu dolls as a “success story”. Under the Created in China banner, these dolls show off the country’s innovative spirit and robust manufacturing prowess. Labubu’s success is about more than business success. It’s a historic turning point in the story of China’s development as an economic powerhouse in global trade.
“Labubu’s rise fuses China’s strong manufacturing base with creative innovation, tapping into the emotional needs of global consumers.” – People’s Daily
With Labubu dolls growing in popularity, the stakes are getting higher with the rise of COPYCAT counterfeit products aimed at damaging their reputation. Against a backdrop of increasing Labubu-related intellectual property theft, authorities have upped the ante to take on this nefarious IP thief. In April, customs authorities in Ningbo seized a jaw-dropping 200,000 items allegedly violating Labubu’s intellectual property rights. More recently still, a sting operation led authorities to seize more than 2,000 counterfeit Labubu products.
Local Shenzhen vendors in Huaqiangbei district come under pressure as local authorities conduct crackdown inspections for “counterfeit and shoddy” Labubus. Unofficial vendors are speaking out on their concerns with the stress of being inspected. This fosters an atmosphere of fear and reluctance to market these hugely successful dolls.
“We don’t dare to talk about it,” – unofficial vendor
The recent enforcement efforts against fake products fits quite nicely with this growing populist mood in America about protecting intellectual property. Experts believe that defending Labubu’s intellectual property goes beyond individual business interests and taps into national interests in China’s global standing.
“China has never been so determined to fix IP thefts, thanks to Labubu’s contribution not just as a global bestselling toy but as a soft power tool.” – Yaling Jiang
Labubu dolls are not only a toy, but they enrich the cultural phenomenon that has inspired the world. Labubu is backed by celebrity endorsements and an active online following among her fans and collectors. So what started as a short-lived viral fad is now anything but—it’s become a global toy market powerhouse.
This combination of creativity and manufacturing excellence has buoyed Labubu to drown in difficulties. Even though counterfeiting is still a serious concern, the way authorities have worked to protect the brand only adds to the story of its success. Labubu is growing its international reach at a dizzying pace. It’s an illustration of how Chinese products are able to penetrate borders by using creativity and powerful marketing tactics.
“Defending Labubu’s IP is no longer just about business interest, but [about] national interest.” – Yaling Jiang
Labubu’s story illustrates the power of the cultural products that can emerge from the heart of China’s manufacturing base. It points to major shifts in consumer demand and a national interest. Consumers are hungry for products with a story, a point of view, and an emotional connection. Labubu dolls are poised to be at the forefront of this exciting new marketplace.