Labubu Doll Craze Leads to Store Closures Amid Safety Concerns

London, United Kingdom — The surge in popularity of Labubu dolls has prompted toy manufacturer Pop Mart to temporarily halt sales in its UK stores. The decision comes after reports of customers fighting to get their hands on the viral plush toys, which feature a quirky design reminiscent of a cross between a mischievous elf and a wild creature.

Pop Mart announced on social media that it would pause in-store sales of Labubu dolls and similar products until June to prioritize customer safety. A spokesperson stated, “Although no Pop Mart employees have been injured, we’ve chosen to act early and prevent any potential safety issues from occurring.”

Victoria Calvert, a fan who witnessed chaos at a Stratford store, described the scene: “It was getting ridiculous… people were shouting and you felt scared.” Concerns about crowd control and safety have escalated, particularly during stock drop days when long lines form outside Pop Mart locations.

Labubu emerged from a collaboration between Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and Pop Mart. Initially part of a whimsical book series, the dolls gained immensely in popularity after being featured by celebrities such as Rihanna and Dua Lipa. This publicity has turned Labubu into a fashion must-have, seen as both a cute accessory and a collector’s item.

Despite the high demand, prices for Labubu dolls range from £13.50 to £50 in retail, with rarer editions fetching hundreds on resale websites. The pause in retail sales has led to concerns among fans about further heightening demand in the underground market.

In defense of its decision, Pop Mart emphasized that the stop on store sales is essential to ensure a better experience for customers in the future. The company indicated it is developing a new, more equitable release mechanism for its popular collectibles.

As the frenzy continues over Labubus, many collectors remain hopeful that when they return, the chaotic crowds and fights will be a thing of the past.