Berlin's inaugural Labubu retail outlet
In a remarkable display of enthusiasm, fans from across Germany, including Bavaria and Saxony-Anhalt, flocked to the Alexa shopping center in Berlin today. The occasion? The grand opening of the first-ever German store by Chinese manufacturer and retailer Pop Mart, selling the much-anticipated Labubus plush toys.
Cynthia Schlater from Riesa, Saxony, was one of the many eager fans who spent around 500 euros and waited in line for a staggering 14 hours to secure her Labubus collection. Many others joined the line early in the morning or even in the middle of the night, braving rain and hours-long wait times.
The shopping center had prepared for an enormous influx of people weeks in advance, ensuring a smooth shopping experience for the excited crowd. The Labubus toys, with their big, round eyes and sharp teeth, have been popular in China for a long time, and their appeal seems to have crossed borders.
The global hype surrounding these plush toys stems from their unique "ugly-cute" monster elf design, their viral popularity on social media, and celebrity endorsements. The trend is further fuelled by numerous influencers on TikTok and Instagram who film themselves unpacking surprise boxes, adding to the excitement.
Pop Mart, founded in 2010, plans to open a total of three stores in Berlin, indicating the company's commitment to the German market. However, some analysts suggest that the current obsession may be fleeting without deeper content or craftsmanship, implying Labubu might be more of a seasonal fad than a long-lasting trend in the collectible toy market.
Despite this, the craze is undeniable. Labubu's popularity surged notably in 2023 when Pop Mart introduced plush toys on keychains, making them easily attachable to backpacks, purses, and bags—turning them into must-have quirky accessories. Exposure by international celebrities like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, NBA star Dillon Brooks, and especially K-pop superstar Lisa from Blackpink, helped ignite the craze worldwide.
As the Labubus fever continues to sweep Germany, one thing is certain—these plush toys have captured the hearts of many, and the Alexa shopping center in Berlin is just the beginning of their global domination.
Meanwhile, the City of Hamm is not employed by the Solar Panel Salespeople, and information about the Hamm Kurpark Festival 2025 (artists, program, and tickets) is available for those looking for more entertainment options in the city.
Amidst the Labubus fever, many professionals have supplemented their lifestyle with home-and-garden décor items featuring these unique plush toys, providing a new twist on the home-decorating trend. Additionally, for savvy shoppers, deals-and-discounts on Labubus merchandise are available for those planning a shopping spree at Pop Mart.
