Rivals Flood Holiday Shelves with Cheaper 'Blind Box' Toys After Labubu Craze
U.S. shoppers searching for authentic Pop Mart Labubu figures have created a surge in demand that rivals are racing to exploit ahead of the holiday season. Manufacturers and retailers are rolling out their own lower-cost, mass-produced "blind box" lines that mimic the surprise-collectible format, promising wider availability and lower price points than the scarce Labubu releases.
The trend matters because it can cool aftermarket premiums and shift where consumers buy collectibles — from niche boutiques and resellers back to mainstream stores and e-commerce platforms. While the push may dilute the exclusivity that fueled Labubu's buzz, it also expands the market to casual buyers and families. Watch for changes in pricing, availability, and authenticity signals as brands differentiate designs or pursue licensing to maintain collector appeal.