A wave of collectible craze has swept through Las Vegas as Labubu, a quirky elf-like plush doll, rises to cult status among fans and fashion lovers alike. With jagged teeth, pointy ears, and a playful frown, the Labubu is no ordinary toy—it’s a rare charm wrapped in mystery. Sold through blind boxes by Pop Mart, these dolls have ignited long queues, online hunts, and a vibrant resale market. As demand explodes, so does the fascination, turning Labubu into a trendy treasure of modern pop culture.

🧸STORY HIGHLIGHTS:

• Labubu, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, is a collectible toy figure with a mischievous look and a cult following.

• Pop Mart sells Labubu through blind boxes — sealed packages that hide the design inside, fueling the thrill of a mystery.

• Odds of a “secret” Labubu? Just 1-in-72.

• K-pop star Lisa and Rihanna helped ignite a global frenzy by showcasing their Labubus in 2024.

• Las Vegas has become a local hotspot for Labubu events, resale, and customization groups.

• The resale market is booming, with some Labubus fetching over $400 online.

• Buyers beware: Fake Labubus (a.k.a. Lafufus) are on the rise.

It wasn’t just another store opening. It was a spectacle — one that began the night before, as fans with sleeping bags, snacks, and hopeful hearts lined up outside Downtown Summerlin, waiting for something that resembles a mischievous elf with jagged teeth.

What they wanted was a Labubu.

By dawn on July 12, the line had stretched around the Downtown Summerlin shopping plaza. The occasion? The opening of a new Pop Mart store, and with it, the possible release of Labubu — a collectible that has recently become the beating heart of a toy-fueled subculture.

What’s a Labubu, Anyway?

To the uninitiated, Labubu might look like a quirky, pointed-ear monster — part elf, part gremlin, part adorable oddity. But the figure has roots in storybook lore. The character was first introduced in a 2015 picture book titled The Monsters, crafted by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, inspired by elements of Nordic mythology.

While its appearance is striking — with serrated teeth and often wide, unsettling eyes — its backstory is surprisingly sweet.

“Despite a mischievous look, LABUBU is kind-hearted and always wants to help,” the official Pop Mart website explains, “but often accidentally achieves the opposite.”

This contradiction — between the chaotic exterior and the kind spirit — is part of what endears fans to Labubu.

The Blind Box Thrill

Labubu isn’t just a toy — it’s a gamble.

The collectibles are sold through blind boxes, a retail model where buyers don’t know which figure is inside until they open it. There are usually six standard versions, but every box carries a low chance — 1 in 72, to be exact — of including a “secret” design not listed on the packaging.

Some compare it to gambling. Others call it high-stakes art collecting. Either way, it’s clear the randomness is part of the appeal.

A Sleepless Wait and a Bag of Hope

Among those camped out overnight was Justin Gladden, who arrived at 11 p.m. the day before.

“Everyone needs a little ugly friend, you know,” said Gladden, chuckling.
“It’s people adding a little bit more accessories to their outfits — that’s something I really enjoy.”

And he’s not alone. Around the Las Vegas Valley, Labubus are now commonly spotted swinging from belt loops, lanyards, backpacks, or worn like fashion badges — a blend of trend and tribute.

Las Vegas: A Labubu City

With multiple Pop Mart outlets and a growing number of fan groups, Las Vegas has emerged as a regional hub for Labubu fandom. Online communities have become the foundation of this movement, especially via Facebook.

One such group, Labubu – Las Vegas, has ballooned to nearly 2,000 members. Its admin, Peyton Cromer, is also the creator of Miss C Collective, a business that customizes Labubus with rhinestones, eyelashes, and personalized designs.

“I think there’s just kind of a certain allure to it, because they’re so hard to get,” Cromer explained.
“They’ve now become this kind of designer icon status, because you have to fight to get these dolls.”

For Cromer, the appeal isn’t just the toy — it’s what they represent: scarcity, creativity, and community.

The New Birkin Bag?

As demand grows, so do concerns over theft and damage. Cromer herself owns over 20 official Labubu items — and a knockoff she wears in public.

“Labubu stealing is a huge kind of epidemic,” she admitted.
“So I purposely bought a dupe to carry on my bag. I don’t feel comfortable carrying mine out.”

“It’s literally like a Birkin. I wear my own little fake one just to kind of represent that I’m in the community.”

That sense of belonging is a common theme. Cromer frequently attends and hosts Labubu events on weekends, where she customizes figures and can earn up to $600 a day.

A Pop Mart Party, and Everyone’s Invited

Ryan Lim, another Las Vegas-based collector, helps coordinate trading events and is an admin of a broader Pop Mart fan group with 1,500 members. Like Cromer, he’s fascinated by the cultural explosion.

“I think they’re fun, cute and trendy collectibles that bring people a lot of joy,” said Lim.
“And they allow people to express their own creativity in public. You can really show your personality through the outfits you dress your Labubus in.”

Lim said his favorite part is the sense of community that’s emerged around these vinyl figures.

“We always celebrate each other’s wins. If someone pulls a secret, they’ll post in the group, and everyone gets excited for them.”

The Chase and the Cost

Buying a Labubu isn’t easy.

In-store sales are limited to opening days only. The rest of the time, hopeful collectors must track online drops through Pop Mart’s site and social channels. A typical blind box keychain costs $27.99, but special editions or rare drops can go for up to $150 directly through Pop Mart.

More often, though, buyers turn to the resale market, where prices can soar. The rarest “secret” Labubus sometimes fetch over $400.

“It was such a hassle to even get one,” said Esmeralda Co, who stood in line with her niece and nephew.
“Because realistically, you think that you can just go to the store or online and buy one. But no — you have to wait for the drop. It’s almost like gambling.”

Where to Hunt

Las Vegas has three official Pop Mart locations — in Downtown Summerlin, Fashion Show Mall, and Miracle Mile Shops — all of which offer in-store pickup for online orders.

But many turn to resale shops in Chinatown like Cutie Design Studio, 3D Retro, and Animetsubasa. Or, for those who like their luck with claws, there’s Claw World, where $10 gets you a shot at winning a Labubu through an arcade machine.

Fake Friends and Scanning for Truth

The Labubu boom has inevitably led to counterfeits. Knockoffs, nicknamed “Lafufus” or “Chafufus,” are flooding the market, and some are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.

Buyers are advised to scan the QR code on the box to verify authenticity before making a purchase.

In the End, It’s More Than Just a Toy

For fans in Las Vegas and beyond, Labubu isn’t merely a product. It’s a statement. A collectible. A tiny avatar of personality and passion.

Whether clipped to a tote bag or displayed behind glass, each Labubu carries with it a little gamble, a little magic, and a whole lot of community.

What began as a niche collectible has swiftly evolved into a cultural statement, with Labubu transforming from a curious plush into a coveted icon of modern self-expression. Las Vegas, now a rising hotspot for this plush craze, reflects the global fascination driven by exclusivity, creativity, and community. From overnight lines to glittering customizations, Labubu’s presence continues to grow louder with each blind box opened. Whether a symbol of fashion, fandom, or fun, one truth remains—Labubu is no longer just a toy; it’s a phenomenon stitched in desire.

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