Bonnie Elle, owner of Asia Crafts in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, introduced a new toy craze to the local community after stumbling upon it during a family vacation in Southeast Asia last August.
While visiting, she observed long lines at Pop Mart stores, where shoppers eagerly awaited the adorable Labubus—furry dolls with playful expressions and rabbit-like ears.
Prompted by their undeniable popularity, Elle decided to bring them back to her gift shop, hoping to replicate their success in the U.S.
Initially, Labubus took some time to capture the attention of American shoppers.
However, this spring marked a turning point, as these whimsical toys shot to fame.
“All of a sudden, this year people started buying them, and then a couple of months ago Labubus went viral, and people started going crazy for them,” said Elle.
The demand for Labubus has led to an eye-catching display of colorful dolls lining the walls of Asia Crafts, alongside a specially curated “Labubu boutique” featuring stylish miniature clothing designed for the dolls.
Just a block away, Phech Loa, owner of Little Seven House, witnessed similar interest from customers.
Selling around 10 Labubus per day is now her norm, but at the peak of the craze, her sales soared to 30 to 50 daily, leading to lines of eager fans winding through her store.
Loa noted that because each Labubu can cost upwards of $50, her profits during the height of the trend reached five times more than usual.
Chinatown isn’t the only place experiencing the Labubu fever, as many other local businesses including Ebisu Japanese Life Store and Chinese Culture & Arts, have stocked their shelves with the popular dolls.
The global recognition of Labubus can be credited in part to pop culture.
Loa highlights the role of K-pop star Lisa from the group Blackpink.
Lisa, known for her influential presence on social media, shared a photo of herself with a Labubu on Instagram, significantly boosting its popularity.
This year, other celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa were also seen carrying Labubus, further igniting their appeal in the U.S.
In Philadelphia, a growing number of shoppers have been spotted sporting multiple Labubus clipped onto their bags and clothing.
Loa shared an amusing anecdote about one customer who displayed at least ten dolls on his cross-body bag, which caught her husband’s attention.
Local shopper Nickie Friel was among those who embraced the trend, showcasing her own Labubu adorned with a faux Louis Vuitton outfit.
The fascination with collectible plush toys is nothing new; it echoes the nostalgia of past trends like Beanie Babies and Tamagotchi.
In addition, the rise of blind box toys, which originated in Japan in the 1980s, contributed significantly to the allure of Labubus.
“I just love the little [Labubu] outfits and stuff, they’re so cute,” said Friel, explaining her enthusiasm for changing her doll’s attire to match her array of purses.
Despite the excitement surrounding Labubus, some shoppers harbor doubts about the longevity of this trend.
Friel, who recently left Little Seven House with two new Labubus, speculated that the dolls’ current popularity may not last.
She reminisced about her childhood obsession with American Girl dolls and Build-A-Bears, predicting that soon there will be another toy capturing the public’s affection.
Elle, who has witnessed various trends throughout her time in Chinatown since 1991, echoed similar thoughts.
“Every couple of years, or every year, there’s something that goes crazy for people,” she noted, hinting that Labubus might eventually fade into the background.
For many community members, however, the joy derived from Labubus goes beyond the pursuit of fleeting trends.
The delight of acquiring something whimsical and charming, often found in mystery boxes, adds to the thrill of ownership.
Friel likened the experience to gambling, sharing stories of navigating through fake versions of Labubus while on the hunt for the real deal.
Julia Smith, another customer at Asia Crafts, expressed her appreciation for indulging in lighthearted purchases, contributing to a sense of nostalgia.
“As someone who, in childhood, didn’t get to spend a lot of money on fun toys, this is like rewarding the inner child,” she said.
Though some might view it as frivolous spending, for many, Labubus symbolize more than just a toy; they bring joy and a sense of community among collectors.
image source from：billypenn
