Designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung for his Nordic fairy tale-inspired series, "The Monsters," the characters initially sold as figurines, plushies, and on items like phone cases and magnets. But it wasn't until October 2023, when Lung collaborated with Chinese toy company Pop Mart to introduce blind box key chains, that Labubus truly took off. Their popularity first surged in Asia, then spread to Europe and the Americas. Part of the thrill is not knowing which one you'll get.
Since going viral, the demand has made them extremely hard to find. Pop Mart stores across the country are almost always sold out, and online restocks sell out in seconds. The exclusivity has fueled a chaotic reseller market, with prices up to more than triple the retail cost. It's also led to the rise of fake Labubus — nicknamed "Lafufus." While no official sales numbers exist, millions of unlicensed counterfeits are listed online. They're sold on sites like Shein, Temu, AliExpress, and in many Miami stores that claim to sell Labubus.
The dolls sell for $20 to $30 when purchased directly from Pop Mart, while prices at these stores can range from $70 to $100, depending on supply and the type of Labubu you choose. Although prices are higher, you can shop with peace of mind knowing they're the real deal.
How to Tell Whether Your Labubu Is Real
Some Lafufus have typos on the box, appear low-quality, or hardly resemble a Labubu at all, making them easy to spot as fakes. Others can be much harder to identify. Luckily, there are a few tried and true tricks to tell whether your Labubu is real.QR Codes
Pop Mart products include two QR codes: One on the holographic square sticker on the back of the blind box and another on the doll's tag. When scanned, these QR codes lead to an official Pop Mart verification page. Once there, users can select "anti-counterfeiting verification" to confirm whether the doll is real.
If it is real, you'll get a confirmation message stating that it's an authentic Pop Mart product. If it's fake, you'll get a message saying "error," "code invalid," or "scanned too many times."
Although rare, some Lafufu sellers have figured out how to put QR codes on their boxes that scan to the official Pop Mart website. However, according to Labubu fans on TikTok and Reddit, the tricksters haven't been able to do this with the QR codes on the dolls' tags. For additional certainty, you can also download the Pop Mart app, which gives more detailed information, like the rarity and production batch.
While the QR codes are the most accurate way to verify the doll's authenticity, there are other signs you can look for.
Packaging and Materials
Labubus come in high-quality packaging, and the bag inside should be matte, not shiny. The doll's eyes, teeth, and horns should have crisp detailing with no paint over the lines. Each toy should have exactly nine teeth and a matte-finished face. The fur stitching should be clean, with no overly visible seams. Lastly, real Labubus have a foot stamp of a mini Labubu on their right foot that glows under UV light.
Think you can spot the real thing? Here's where you can find real Labubus in Miami.
HŸP Miami
900 S. Miami Ave. #182, Miami786-536-6671
851 NE First Ave., Miami
786-422-5086
hypmiami.com
HŸP is a premium streetwear retailer based in Miami. According to an Instagram reel posted by the store, streamer Adin Ross recently bought his first Labubu there. HŸP also offers a variety of Labubus on its website for those who don't want to make the trip downtown.
Impossible Kicks
11401 NW 12th St., Store 470, Miami786-770-3813
impossiblekicks.com
Impossible Kicks is a nationwide streetwear retailer known for its rare sneakers, apparel, and accessories. At the Miami location, dozens of Labubu boxes are constantly restocked.
Robo Shop Dolphin
11401 NW 12th St., Miamipopmart.com
If you'd prefer to get yours straight from the source, Pop Mart opened a Robo Shop in Dolphin Mall this spring. While not a traditional storefront, this vending machine sells the same blind boxes as the store. However, you must be strategic and borderline obsessive to purchase a Labubu here successfully — lines form as early as 4 a.m.
Pop Mart says there is no official restock schedule, but TikTok users report it happens most days before the mall opens at 10 a.m. The dolls typically sell out in minutes. Labubu restocks aren't always guaranteed, with Pop Mart sometimes stocking other characters instead.
Sneaker Lovers
663 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach12801 W. Sunrise Blvd., #201, Sunrise
954-376-0685
sneakerloversstore.com
Despite its focus on sneakers and apparel, the only products you'll see through the windows of Sneaker Lovers' Lincoln Road location are Labubu boxes stacked from floor to ceiling. The store often sells out, but new shipments arrive frequently.
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