Original Labubu is no longer just a “designer toy”—it’s a cultural icon. From Lisa of BLACKPINK to Rihanna, celebrities are flexing Labubu figures on social media and red carpets. Auction houses have seen rare Labubus sell for over £100,000, and the plushes are now clipped to luxury bags and featured in viral TikTok videos. The “ugly-cute” monster, born from Kasing Lung’s imagination and Pop Mart’s global reach, has become a must-have for collectors and fashionistas alike.
But with explosive demand comes frustration:
- Stock vanishes in seconds.
- Regional exclusives create FOMO.
- Shipping is a headache.
- And fakes—“Lafufus”—are everywhere, from street markets to major online platforms.
This guide is your global map to buying Labubu the right way: original, safe, and with the best chance of scoring the latest drop.
The Official Global Source: Pop Mart’s International Online Store
Your safest bet:
- Pop Mart Global Store (and regional variants: /us, /uk, /jp, etc.)
Pros:
- Guaranteed authenticity: Every figure is 100% real.
- Access to latest releases: Including global drops and some exclusives.
- Official blind box odds and pre-orders.
Cons:
- Sell-outs are lightning fast.
- Shipping costs and customs duties may apply.
- Delivery times vary by region.
Action:
- Sign up for Pop Mart’s newsletter and follow their official Instagram/TikTok for drop alerts.
- Create an account and save your address for faster checkout.
Regional Hotspots: Where Labubu Mania is Real (and How to Buy There)
China (Mainland)
- Official Pop Mart stores: Expect long queues and lottery systems for new drops.
- Online: Tmall and JD.com Pop Mart flagship stores. International buyers may need a proxy or forwarding service.
- Reality check: Even locals struggle—Labubu’s demand is off the charts.
Hong Kong
- Official Pop Mart stores: Lottery sign-ups for major releases.
- Trusted local shops: Mad Max Toys, Toyland HK (both have online presence).
- Secondary market: Vibrant but risky—be alert for Lafufus.
Singapore
- Pop Mart stores: Funan, ION Orchard, Jewel Changi, Plaza Singapura, Westgate, Lot One.
- Pop Mart Singapore Online: popmart.sg
- Exclusives: Watch for Singapore-only releases (like Merlion Labubu).
- Tip: Join local Facebook/Telegram groups for restock alerts.
South Korea
- Physical: Pop Mart Myeongdong and more.
- Online: popmart.co.kr
- Events: Pop-up stores and collabs are common—follow Korean collector groups.
Japan
- Official store: popmart.co.jp
- Department stores & pop-ups: Check Tokyo Station’s Ichibangai Character Street, Shibuya, and Akihabara.
- Proxy services: OneMall, Remambo for rare/limited editions.
- Tip: Use Pop Mart’s Robo Shops (vending machines) for quick buys.
United States / UK / Europe
- Pop Mart stores: NYC, London (note: UK stores occasionally pause in-person sales due to crowd control).
- Online: popmart.com/us, popmart.com/uk, popmart.com/be
- Other retailers: Amazon, StockX, Kicks Crew, LoveJoJo, KershKicks (UK).
- Pop-ups and TikTok Shop: Watch for special events and restocks.
- Shipping: International Pop Mart sites ship to most regions, but check customs rules for your country.
Australia/Canada
- Online: Pop Mart AU/NZ, Amazon, and select specialty retailers.
- Tip: Use parcel forwarding services for rare drops from other countries.
For every region:
- Always verify you’re on the official Pop Mart site or a listed authorized retailer.
- Join local collector groups for real-time restock and drop alerts.
The Secondary Market: Proceed with Extreme Caution
Platforms:
- StockX, eBay, Mercari (JP/US), Carousell (SEA), Depop, Vinted
Risks:
- Inflated prices: Some rare Labubus now fetch $1,500+.
- Counterfeits (“Lafufus”): Rampant on third-party sites.
- Scams: Blurry photos, missing packaging, no returns.
Tips for Safe Resale Buying:
- Check product codes and QR stickers: Scan to verify at Pop Mart’s official site or use their app.
- Inspect packaging: Matte finish, crisp logos, holographic sticker, QR code, correct fonts, and box texture.
- Figure quality: Clean paint lines, nine teeth, solid weight, correct color palette, Pop Mart stamp on the foot.
- Ask for detailed photos: Get close-ups of the box, holograms, and figure details.
- Review seller ratings: Only buy from highly rated, established sellers.
- Know platform policies: Use buyer protection and avoid off-platform payments.
How to Spot a Fake Labubu (“Lafufu” vs. Labubu)
Packaging:
- Genuine: Matte box, embossed series name, pastel/neutral colors, crisp printing, holographic QR sticker, Pop Mart logo, ID card, and desiccant pack with Pop Mart logo.
- Fake: Glossy or uneven box, missing/blurred QR code, no hologram, poor print quality, missing accessories.
Figure Quality:
- Real: Soft, balanced fur, smooth seams, glossy inset eyes, soft blush, nine individually shaped teeth, correct colour and weight, Pop Mart stamp on the foot.
- Fake: Patchy or rough fur, bright/unnatural colours, rough seams, fewer/connected teeth, lighter weight, no stamp.
Verification:
- Scan the QR code: Should redirect to fwsy.popmart.com or m-gss.popmart.com.
- Check with a UV light: Original Labubu noses glow under UV.
- Compare with official photos: Use Pop Mart’s site or collector forums for reference.
Seller Red Flags:
- Prices far below market average
- Blurry or stock photos
- No original box or missing accessories
- Generic descriptions, evasive answers
Advanced Strategies for Labubu Hunters
- Drop Tracking Apps: Use community apps or Discord bots that monitor Pop Mart drops globally.
- Join Discord/Telegram Groups: Real-time alerts, legit trading, and tips from seasoned collectors.
- Pre-orders: Some retailers offer pre-orders for new series—secure your figure before release day.
- Parcel Forwarding: Services like forward2me open up global drops for collectors outside main markets.
Beyond the Purchase: Caring for Your Labubu Collection
- Display: Use UV-protected display cases to prevent fading.
- Storage: Keep boxes, ID cards, and accessories together.
- Cleaning: Use soft brushes and avoid harsh chemicals.
This is your ultimate, action-driven guide to buying original Labubu worldwide. Happy hunting—and may your next blind box be a grail!
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