Labubu is an ugly and cute blind box doll from PopMart. In this article, we’ll analyze the brand story behind Labubu and discuss how to start an online toy store!
Ⅰ. What’s the Story Behind Labubu?
Labubu was born in 2015, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung as a character in his Norse mythology-inspired children’s books.
Quirky yet kind-hearted, Labubu often causes “well-meaning trouble,” a contrast that makes him especially endearing.
Unlike traditional cute mascots, he carries a playful roughness—a unique charm that Lung carefully developed over the years. His final form, with shaggy fur and jagged teeth, blends mythological ruggedness with modern aesthetics.
Today, this mischievous little monster has quietly won hearts around the world.
What many people don’t realize is that Labubu is part of Bubble Mart’s “The Monsters” line. In addition to Labubu, there are other elf characters with various characteristics：
Zimomo: Leader of the Labubu family and guardian of the monster tribe. It’s a large, adventure-loving creature with a chubby face and long tail, often absent from the forest, adding mystery.
Mokoko: Means “unique” in fairy language. A pink-furred fairy with curvy eyelashes and a heart-shaped nose, a bit narcissistic.
Tycoco: A little fairy in the shape of a skull and Labubu’s lover. Shy and introverted, it’s timid but optimistic.
Spooky: A member of the forest ghost clan, it appears at night and loves lively scenes.
Pippo: A fairy living by the river, he enjoys tasting wine, understands the art of living, and pursues freedom.
Vos: Good at socializing, he speaks loudly, and loves drinking.
Pato: Fond of daydreaming, it has many cunning ideas.
Ⅱ. Why is Labubu Suddenly Popular?
From London stores stopping sales due to scalper fights, limited editions selling out in 5 minutes in US stores, and French fans queuing up all night, to BLACKPINK members Lisa, Rihanna, Beckham, and many other celebrities sharing their Labubu on social media platforms. Labubu’s rush to sell the toy swept across Asia, Europe, and the US, overtaking Japan’s Sanrio to top the character economy in Asia.
Emotional Marketing – Labubu embodies the bittersweet, quirky charm that resonates deeply with younger audiences who seek emotional connection in their purchases.
Social Virality – Unboxing videos on TikTok and YouTube Shorts have propelled Labubu into viral stardom, turning each product into a shareable experience.
Scarcity & Exclusivity – Limited drops, collaborations, and event-only releases create urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out).
IP & Artist Culture – Collaborations with known artists and consistent character storytelling build brand loyalty and anticipation.
Ⅲ. 5 Steps to Start Your Toy Business
With the growth of the Internet, the percentage of online sales of toys is increasing every year. E-commerce revenues in the global toys and hobbies market are expected to reach $131.1 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 7.12% from 2025 to 2029. (Statista data)
Compared with traditional toys, trendy toys like Bubble Mate are more popular among young people, and the shopping scene is more focused on online, so the independent station will be a better choice for cross-border sellers to go overseas.
Whether you sell collectible figurines, educational toys, plush dolls, or construction sets, Labubu’s success provides valuable lessons for starting an e-commerce toy store.
1. Niche Down and Know Your Audience
Before building your store, clearly define your niche. Are you selling Montessori toys, anime collectibles, STEM kits, or plush toys? Understanding your target demographic—whether it’s parents of toddlers, collectors, or educators—will help shape your product selection, branding, and marketing strategy.
Pro tip: Use market research tools like Google Trends or Statista to identify high-growth toy segments in your region.
2. Choose a Scalable e-commerce platform
Platforms like Shopify are ideal for toy sellers due to their ease of use, mobile optimization, and wide selection of toy-themed store templates. With Shopify, you can easily integrate marketing apps, payment gateways, and inventory management tools.
Bonus: If you’re targeting international markets, Shopify supports multi-language and multi-currency features to help you go global faster.
3. Use an AI Chatbot to Boost Sales and Customer Support
Today’s consumers expect fast, 24/7 customer service—especially parents shopping late at night or collectors eager to buy limited editions. Installing an AI chatbot can dramatically improve your conversion rate and customer satisfaction.
Here’s how the best AI chatbot for toy stores like ShopMate can help:
- 🔄 Instantly answer product questions (e.g., age suitability, safety materials, size)
- 🧩 Recommend toys based on customer interests (perfect for gift shopping)
- 🕐 Provide 24/7 assistance during holidays, promotions, or global launches
- 🗣️ Support multiple languages, ideal for cross-border toy sellers
AI chatbots don’t just save time—they convert curious visitors into loyal customers.
4. Invest in Visual Content and Storytelling
Toys are emotional products, often tied to childhood memories, imagination, and joy. Leverage this by showcasing vibrant product photography, engaging product videos, and relatable storytelling.
Use lifestyle images that show kids or collectors interacting with your products. If your toy has a backstory (like Labubu), share it—stories drive emotional connection and sales.
5. Plan Promotions Around Seasonal and Viral Trends
From Christmas and back-to-school to TikTok trends and pop culture collaborations, timing your campaigns around seasonal and social moments can drive huge spikes in traffic.
Make use of countdown banners, bundle deals, and early-bird specials. Don’t forget to collect emails with pop-ups or chatbots so you can nurture leads for the next launch or holiday season.
Conculusion
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