The Rundown Deep Dive: How Labubu Turned Pop Mart Into a Global Toy Empire
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Jun 28, 2025 Discover the magnetic rise of Labubu dolls, from their humble $15 blind box origins to commanding six-figure auction prices. Explore the fascinating intersection of art and commerce as Pop Mart reshapes the global toy market. The podcast dives into the savvy marketing tactics that fueled their viral success on TikTok and the burgeoning adult collector scene. But with increasing regulations looming over blind box sales, is this toy sensation nearing its peak? Tune in for insights into a toy empire with a twist.
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Labubu's Rise to Fame
- Labubu was created by Hong Kong artist Kassing Lung and began as hand-made figurines from his book "The Monsters."
- Popmart licensed it exclusively in 2019, releasing hundreds of versions including $150,000 mega dolls, sparking global frenzy and celebrity endorsements.
Popmart's Innovative Business Model
- Popmart's market cap is over $40 billion, surpassing Mattel and Hasbro combined.
- Their blind box model drives addictive collecting and social media virality, fueling massive revenue from multiple IP lines.
Explosive Growth and Projections
- Popmart's Monsters line, including Labubu, grew revenues 727% from 2023 to 2024.
- Morgan Stanley calls Popmart one of the fastest-growing global brands, predicting $6 billion revenue by 2027.