Las Vegas, known as Sin City, has recently earned a new title among fans: Labubu heaven.
Labubus, quirky collectibles celebrated for their ‘so ugly it’s cute’ designs, have taken the world by storm, especially in 2023, thanks to social media.
Originally introduced in 2015, Labubus became widely recognized this year, leading to a surge in popularity that makes them hard to find.
However, those in Las Vegas may find it easier to procure these coveted items thanks to two Pop Mart stores, located at the Fashion Show Mall and Miracle Mile Shops, and a new location set to open in Downtown Summerlin.
As an official retailer of these figurines, Pop Mart offers authenticity, yet local shops are also tapping into the Labubu craze.
One Of Us Comics in Henderson has embraced the phenomenon, stocking up on Labubus to cater to their devoted fanbase.
Owner Steve Johnston, known as the toy expert from History’s Pawn Stars, shared insights on how his store capitalized on the Labubu trend.
“I’ve been doing this for so long… you see these trends come along, and when I saw this coming, I’m like, okay, this is gonna have some life, it’s gonna last for a while… so I dove all-in on it,” Johnston explained.
He noted that sourcing Labubus has its challenges but remains committed to meeting demand, which has unexpectedly boosted visibility for his small comic book store.
“This is bringing eyes to the store that would not have normally found us or looked for us,” he said, expressing excitement about the business opportunity.
The desire for Labubus is coming from all directions, with people traveling from surrounding areas like Pahrump and even as far as California.
Johnston noted an increase in foot traffic from tourists thanks to Labubus, differentiating his store from others as potential customers actively seek the elusive toys.
“This is the difference: people are coming here and trying to find who has them so they can buy them,” Johnston explained.
While tourists contribute to around a 5-7% increase in business, he credits families as key drivers behind Labubu sales.
Parents frequently bring their children to the store, resulting in a family-friendly shopping experience where siblings may also browse for comics or collectible cards.
“I love being able to service something in my community,” Johnston said, appreciating the connections formed through the popularity of Labubus.
The desirability of Labubus stems from two main elements: fashion and novelty.
Being designed as bag charms, consumers are particularly interested in the color options of Labubus, aligning with personal aesthetics.
As these collectibles are displayed alongside bags or purses, they occupy a unique position as both fashion items and collectible toys.
The novelty aspect comes from the packaging; Labubus are sold in ‘blind boxes,’ revving up the excitement of unboxing and discovery.
Fans share their experiences and unboxing videos on social media, creating an interactive culture around the collectibles.
“Because consumers never know what color Labubu they’re going to end up with, they often purchase more over time to ensure they end up with their preferred color,” Johnston highlighted.
The thrill of possibly unboxing ultra-rare Labubus enhances the chase experience, making it more appealing for collectors.
Johnston draws parallels between Labubus and previous collectible trends, recognizing the cyclical nature of such phenomena in the world of toy collecting.
“When Funko Pop really took off, it was under similar circumstances.
Japanese art and vinyl toys paired together have always been a winning combination in collectible toys,” he remarked.
As Labubu-mania continues to grow, Las Vegas finds itself at the heart of this collectible phenomenon, attracting local enthusiasts and tourists alike.
The allure of these unique figures, with their blend of fashion and novelty, fuels ongoing demand, ensuring Labubus remain a hot topic in the world of collectibles.
As stores like One Of Us Comics adapt to this trend, they not only thrive from increased sales but also become community hubs connecting families and toy lovers.
With new Labubu varieties continually being released, the future of this collectible craze looks promising, cementing Labubus as a trending staple in both Las Vegas and beyond.
image source from：ktnv
