Chaos Over Cute Monsters: Labubu Dolls Withdrawn Amid Fan Outrage

Labubu dolls, the cute monster bag charms that have taken the internet by storm, have been withdrawn from all UK stores by their maker, Pop Mart, following alarming reports of customers fighting over them. The decision to pause sales until June was made to prevent any potential safety issues as stated by Pop Mart representatives. Victoria Calvert, a fan who witnessed the turmoil at a retailer location in Stratford, London, described the atmosphere as distressing, stating, “It was just getting ridiculous to be in that situation where people were fighting and shouting and you felt scared.”

Originally gaining popularity on TikTok – prominently featured by celebrities such as Rihanna and Dua Lipa – the soft toys have sparked a notable resale market, with prices ranging from £13.50 to £50, and rare editions being listed for hundreds on websites such as Vinted and eBay. In light of these price escalations, fans have expressed disappointment, criticizing Pop Mart’s limited stock approach, which has fueled the frenzy. Comments on social media reflected this anger, with accusations directed at resellers making it difficult for genuine fans to obtain the toys at fair prices.

Victoria recounted how hardcore fans camped outside the store as early as 03:00 BST, resulting in chaotic crowds and reports of a physical altercation between a customer and an employee. While Pop Mart clarified that there have been no injuries among staff, they opted to act preemptively to mitigate risks. Individuals like Jaydee, a TikTok unboxer, echoed the sentiment that resellers have overshadowed the joy of collecting Labubu dolls, leading to feelings of mistrust among fans.

Retail experts like Susannah Streeter noted the increasing chaos on stock drop days as a growing challenge for Pop Mart, stating that the brand’s fun image could be at risk with such volatile crowds. As Sarah Johnson, of consultancy Flourish Retail, elaborated, the suspension of sales is a strategic move, acknowledging the effective use of scarcity in collectible brands.

Acknowledging the ongoing tension, Pop Mart assures fans that Labubu dolls will return in June with a new, more equitable release mechanism aimed at enhancing the customer experience.