In recent years, a unique vinyl toy has captured the hearts of many in Chicago: the Labubu doll.
This fuzzy collectible, produced by the Chinese company Pop Mart, has become a must-have accessory for fans of all ages.
Monica Ruano, a devoted collector, can often be found showcasing her Labubu, a character with rabbit ears, large eyes, and a toothy grin, during various outings, from family gatherings to dining in restaurants.
‘People either love it or find it disturbing,’ Ruano noted.
The Labubu character, designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, first made its appearance in 2015 as part of a Nordic-mythology-inspired series titled ‘The Monsters.’
However, the real explosion in popularity occurred in 2024, thanks to notable endorsements from K-Pop stars Lisa and Rosé of BLACKPINK, who shared their love for Labubus on social media.
Since then, other celebrities, including pop singer Lizzo, have referenced the dolls, with Lizzo even mentioning Labubu in her song ‘YITTY ON YO TITTYS.’
The influx of social media attention, combined with the toy’s quirky aesthetics, has transformed Labubus into a cultural phenomenon across platforms like TikTok, where the hashtag #labubu surpassed 2.1 million posts as of July 2025.
Nina Maria, a cultural strategist based in London, commented on the appeal of the doll, describing it as an ‘ugly, cute thing’ that stands out on a bag, contributing to its virality.
As Ruano reflects on her nostalgia for toys from her childhood, such as Furbies and Beanie Babies, she represents a generation of millennials who now have the means to indulge in their interests without restrictions.
Pop Mart, the company behind Labubu, has seen substantial success outside of mainland China, with revenues from international markets reportedly increasing nearly fivefold in 2024 compared to 2023.
Southeast Asia and North America emerged as key growth regions for the brand.
Pop Mart’s stock has been soaring, with shares more than doubling year-to-date, leading to plans for the company to expand its U.S. presence by doubling store locations by the end of the year.
In Chicago, Pop Mart has already opened four stores in strategic locations, and the city’s Midwest market is being targeted for further growth.
Interestingly, the popularity of Labubus has persisted despite the challenges posed by tariffs during the Trump administration.
In fact, a recent price increase for a new series didn’t deter fans, with collectors like Ruano willing to wait in line for hours to secure their toys.
Reflecting on the addiction of collecting, the concept of ‘blind boxes’ allows customers to buy toys without knowing which specific model they will get, adding an element of surprise that fans crave.
Ruano mentioned that after losing her job, she turned her passion for Labubus into a side business, reselling dolls at a premium—one sold for an impressive $120 on Whatnot.
However, the rise of Labubu has also led to the emergence of imitations known as ‘Lafufus.’
Typically priced between $15 and $20, these duplicates have slight variations from the original dolls, such as differences in eye color or the number of teeth, but nonetheless draw interest from collectors.
In Chicago’s Chinatown, Big Ying Yogurt has become a hub for Labubu enthusiasts.
Though originally opened to sell yogurt drinks, the establishment has expanded its offerings to include Labubu-themed clothes and accessories.
Owner Doris Han stated that many customers come without even realizing yogurt is served, as the shop’s unique merchandise has taken precedence.
Diana Gomez, a visitor from Los Angeles, shared her experience at Big Ying after learning about it on TikTok, convincing her friend Jen Arista to purchase a Lafufu doll adorned with a miniature Chicago Bears shirt.
Gomez expressed excitement for her matching outfit with Arista’s Labubu, emphasizing the personalization that makes the toys special.
The allure of Labubu dolls extends beyond their collectible nature; they foster a sense of community among fans who connect through their shared enthusiasm.
As the trend continues to thrive in Chicago, it’s clear that Labubus have become more than just toys—they represent a cultural moment, sparking joy and creativity among collectors and casual fans alike.
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