A rare Labubu figure was sold on eBay for an astonishing $10,500, setting a new resale record for the quirky, «ugly-cute» collectible toy line that has taken the internet by storm. The sought-after grey-brown character, dressed in full Vans-branded streetwear, including trainers, a hoodie, and a two-tone cap embroidered with «The Monsters», was originally launched in 2023 as part of a Pop Mart x Vans blind box collaboration.
With an original retail price of just $85, the toy’s resale value has skyrocketed more than 100-fold, confirming its place at the top of the collectible market.
Limited Editions Fuel Collector Frenzy
Labubu figures, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and inspired by Nordic myths and supernatural tales, have become a cult phenomenon. First licensed to Chinese toy giant Pop Mart in 2019, the brand’s popularity has surged, turning its creator and executives into industry powerhouses. Pop Mart CEO Wang Ning, aged 38, has seen his net worth explode from $2 bn to $22 bn, thanks to the brand’s meteoric rise, according to Forbes.
Pop Mart’s business model revolves around blind box sales, where fans purchase a sealed box without knowing which figure is inside. These typically retail between $20 and $40, but secret editions — extremely limited variants with odds as rare as 1 in 72 or 1 in 144 — can command thousands on the resale market.
Other Popular Edition
One such example is the pink «Catch me if you like me» edition, released in early 2024, which recently sold for $2,000.
According to collectibles expert Lori Verderame, Labubus have genuine investment potential:
«Their distinct look and universal charm will keep them in demand as serious collectibles for years to come.»
Alex Fung from Goldin Auctions added that the earlier editions are likely to retain the most value over time.
Labubu restocks happen weekly, with in-store drops at 10 a.m. Fridays and online releases at 9 p.m. Thursdays. In places like the UK, queues start well before dawn and restocks are known to cause chaos — with some shops pulling toys due to scuffles among fans. The craze has led some collectors to dub release days the Labubu Hunger Games.
Driven by limited supply and viral popularity, Labubu is not only dominating social media and fan culture but also proving to be a serious player in the world of modern collectibles.
Kursiv also reports that Pop Mart has announced a staggering 350% increase in profits for the first half of 2025.
