Berlin's Inaugural Labubu Store
In the heart of Berlin, the Alexa shopping center became a hotspot for Labubu enthusiasts as the first store dedicated to the popular plush toys opened its doors. The store, operated by Chinese manufacturer and retailer Pop Mart, was prepared for an enormous crowd weeks in advance, having witnessed the global hype surrounding these charming yet peculiar creatures.
Many fans waited for hours, some even in the middle of the night or early in the morning, to be among the first to get their hands on the latest Labubu additions. Hundreds of people gathered outside the store, some traveling from Bavaria or Saxony-Anhalt, eager to join the Labubu community.
The Labubus, with their big, round eyes and sharp teeth, have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. The trend is fueled by numerous influencers on TikTok and Instagram, as well as collaborations with the Chinese designer toy company Pop Mart, which started in 2019.
The global hype behind Labubu plush toys originates from their creation by artist Kasing Lung, born in Hong Kong and Belgium, who developed Labubu as part of his picture-book series The Monsters, drawing deep inspiration from Nordic mythology. Labubu, a mischievous elf-like monster with distinct wide eyes, pointed ears, and a playful toothy grin, first appeared in 2015 and quickly gained popularity.
The Berlin store likely plays a key role as a cultural hub where fans can engage directly with the brand and its rich creative backstory. Pop Mart, which was founded in 2010, plans to open a total of three stores in Berlin, capitalizing on the booming popularity and attracting a wide global audience, including adult collectors and celebrities.
Inside the store, collectors often gather to guess which figure might be inside the surprise boxes, adding to the excitement. Some fans brought their own Labubu plush toys, proudly showcasing their collections and connecting with fellow enthusiasts.
One dedicated fan, Cynthia Schlater from Riesa, Saxony, spent around 500 euros and waited in line for 14 hours to secure her Labubu treasures. The Labubus, known for being both cute and ugly, have transcended traditional toy markets, becoming intertwined with streetwear fashion and art galleries, thus attracting a wide global audience.
As the rain poured down on the eager fans waiting outside, it was clear that the Labubu craze combines unique artistic origins, collectible variety, cultural crossovers, and strategic global retail presence—including noteworthy locations like Berlin—to fuel a worldwide plush toy phenomenon.
- The shopping center in Berlin, with its inaugural Labubu store, has become a destination for heartful shopping, as fashion enthusiasts acknowledge the Labubu lifestyle embodied in these unique collectibles.
- Catering to a diverse audience, the Labubu-dedicated stores, such as the one in Berlin, offer home-and-garden décor items, surprise boxes with exclusive deals-and-discounts, and plush toys, all contributing to the ultimate Labubu shopping experience.
