The Verge
The frenzied, gamified chase for Labubus
Want a Labubu? Be prepared to play games.
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The Labubu Craze: Scarcity Fuels 3D-Printed Fakes and a Booming Counterfeit Market
The adorable yet elusive Labubu toys, known for their furry monster-like appearance and sharp teeth, have taken the collectible world by storm, becoming an unexpected craze of summer 2025. However, their soaring popularity has been met with significant challenges for enthusiasts attempting to acquire them. Pop Mart, the Chinese company behind Labubu, struggles to keep up with demand, implementing limited releases and utilizing a glitchy app-based lottery system that often leaves eager buyers empty-handed. This scarcity has inadvertently fueled a thriving secondary market, unfortunately overrun with counterfeit versions affectionately dubbed 'Lafufus.' These fakes are appearing on various resale platforms, cheap online retailers, flea markets, and even in unexpected locations like highway rest stops and stores in Bosnia. Amidst the frustration, some fans are resorting to creative measures to join the Labubu mania. The Verge, a prominent media outlet, recently showcased their own solution: 3D-printing a '24-karat fake gold Lafufu' when faced with the impossibility of purchasing an authentic one. This innovative approach highlights a growing trend where the desire to participate in the cultural phenomenon outweighs the need for genuine, hard-to-find collectibles. As one enthusiast noted, 'Any kind of Labubu paraphernalia will do,' underscoring the shift towards embracing replicas when originals are out of reach.
