SAN DIEGO — The latest fad to take the nation by storm is a small, gremlin-like doll known as Labubu. These quirky collectibles, which measure around two to four inches, have been spotted elegantly adorning bags, dressed in fashionable garments, and even customized to fit their owners’ personal styles.
Labubu, described as an elvish-like monster, features high pointed ears, short fur, a playful grin, and an impressive set of nine razor-sharp teeth.
The brainchild of Kasing Lung, an artist originally from Hong Kong and currently based in Belgium, Labubu is part of a larger illustrated narrative called “The Monsters.” This story, which was first introduced in 2015, draws inspiration from Nordic mythology, crafting a whimsical fairy world filled with both benevolent and mischievous characters.
According to Pop Mart, a Chinese retailer that creates and sells these delightful collectibles packaged in blind boxes, Labubu is not just a single character but part of a tribe showcased in Lung’s illustrated story.
Fans of Labubu often describe the doll as ‘ugly-cute,’ capturing the paradox of its creepiness mixed with charm. Individuals have stated that despite Labubu’s mischievous look suggesting trouble, her inherently kind-hearted nature shines through, as she always seeks to help others—albeit often creating chaos along the way.
Pop Mart shares that Labubu’s bright smile serves as a reminder that even during tough times, positivity can uplift our spirits.
Since BLACKPINK’s Lisa endorsed Labubu, the dolls have skyrocketed in popularity over the past year. Reports of eager fans resorting to brawls in various countries, including Britain, while attempting to purchase a plush have emerged.
In San Diego, excitement for Labubu has been no less palpable. Recent social media postings show individuals queuing up enthusiastically at the UTC Westfield mall in La Jolla, hoping to snag these hot items. One TikTok video even features a man performing a mini heist, joyfully carrying out multiple boxes of Labubus, amassing over 100,000 likes and thousands of comments shortly after it was posted.
Another viral TikTok from April provides a glimpse into the anticipation outside a Pop Mart store, with lines of eager customers waiting for the latest drop.
So, how can collectors secure a Labubu without having to contend with resellers or long lines?
Fortunately, there are legitimate ways to procure a Labubu. First, Pop Mart’s store locator can help fans find a nearby store. In San Diego County, there are three Pop Mart locations where Labubus can be found.
The first is La Jolla at Westfield UTC, located at 4545 La Jolla Village Dr Ste E-25, San Diego, CA 92122. This location features a Pop Mart store as well as a Roboshop—a vending machine that sells various collectibles, including Labubus in blind boxes.
The second location is in National City at Plaza Bonita, situated at 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd Ste 2075, National City, CA 91950. This mall only features a Roboshop for these small treasures.
For store hours, Pop Mart’s website provides the necessary details.
For those who prefer to skip the long queues, Labubus can also be purchased online. While many items may currently be out of stock, eager shoppers can take advantage of early drops to snag a doll. Additionally, Pop Mart operates an app that streamlines the purchasing process compared to navigating their website.
To stay updated, fans should monitor Pop Mart’s Instagram page for announcements about new releases. According to their bio, new items are launched every Friday at 10 a.m. in stores and Thursdays at 10 p.m. Eastern Time online.
For those who are open to visiting local shops, Labubus may be available through various establishments around San Diego County. Though a slight price increase might be anticipated, this could be a convenient alternative to avoid Pop Mart’s crowded releases.
With the Labubu phenomenon continuing to grow, this collectible plush is not just a fad; it has emerged as a significant aspect of the pop culture landscape in San Diego and beyond.
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