Introduction The world has fallen in love with Labubu, the mischievous, furry collectible dolls by Pop Mart. But in 2025, a surprising twist has shaken the market: fans are turning to fake Labubus, popularly known as Lafufus, as authentic dolls become harder — and more expensive — to find. From overnight lines outside Pop Mart stores to $100 reseller prices, Labubu collectors are facing challenges. Meanwhile, the growing Lafufu trend is raising questions: Can Pop Mart keep up with the demand, protect its brand, and stay ahead in the global toy market? H2: The Rise of Labubu — How Pop Mart Created a Global Craze Founded in Beijing, Pop Mart has become one of the fastest-growing toy companies globally, primarily thanks to Labubu. Introduced as part of the brand’s blind box strategy, these toys became a viral sensation across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Pop Mart’s 2025 revenue is projected to exceed 30 billion yuan (~$4.2 billion). In the Americas, revenue soared 1,000% year-over-year. Sales of Labubus alone jumped 668% in the first half of 2025. Why Labubu Became Viral: Blind Box Appeal → Buyers don’t know which doll they’ll get, making it exciting and addictive. TikTok & Social Media Trends → Short videos showcasing Labubu collections drive demand. Exclusivity & Scarcity → Limited drops make people wait in lines or pay huge resale prices. H2: Enter Lafufus — Why People Are Choosing Fakes When authentic Labubus became harder to find and more expensive, fans turned to alternatives: Lafufus — counterfeit versions of Labubu dolls. “Trying to get a real Labubu, it’s almost like The Hunger Games,” says Joselyn Chamorro, a Florida collector who bought a Lafufu for $20 at a gas station. Key reasons fans buy Lafufus: Affordability → Fake Labubus cost $15–$25 vs. $30–$40 for originals. Accessibility → Found in local shops, gas stations, and even phone repair stores. Unique Quirks → Many Lafufus have manufacturing imperfections, making them “charming” in their own way. This growing acceptance of knock-offs shows how consumer behavior is shifting, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. H2: Pop Mart’s Battle Against Counterfeits Pop Mart is not sitting quietly while Lafufus flood the market. The company has trademarked Labubu since 2019 in the U.S. and 2016 internationally. H3: Legal Action in the U.S. Pop Mart sued 7-Eleven stores in California for selling fake Labubus. The company is expected to expand lawsuits against other sellers globally. H3: China’s Crackdown on Lafufus Chinese customs officials are seizing counterfeit shipments. Ironically, China — known for manufacturing counterfeits — is now protecting its homegrown IP. H3: How to Spot a Real Labubu Pop Mart has introduced authenticity features to help fans identify real Labubus: Holographic Pop Mart sticker Scannable QR code linking to the official website Nine teeth (yes, fans actually count!) New models include a UV stamp on one foot H2: The Social Media Effect — Why Lafufus Are Winning Attention Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X have played a significant role in normalizing fake Labubu ownership. “Lafufus are a lot more unique looking,” says Cassandra Harrison from New Jersey. “People like the little mess-ups and imperfections.” Key insights: TikTok hashtags like #Labubu and #Lafufu have millions of views. Some fans proudly showcase Lafufus online instead of hiding them. User-generated content is driving both real and fake Labubu demand. H2: Pop Mart’s Growth Strategy Beyond Labubu While Labubu dominates the market today, Pop Mart is working to avoid becoming a one-hit wonder. New character launches, including mini Labubus, are planned for late 2025. Pop Mart is rapidly expanding internationally, with 50+ new stores opened in 2025 alone. Morningstar analysts predict that by 2034, 70% of Pop Mart’s revenue will come from outside China. H3: Can Pop Mart Beat Disney and Sanrio? Analysts say Pop Mart must grow beyond virality and compete with established players like Disney and Sanrio. The challenge? Building long-term brand loyalty Sustaining high return on investment Innovating constantly to outpace Lafufu makers H2: The Future of Labubu — Trend or Timeless Brand? Pop Mart’s future depends on: Managing supply shortages Controlling counterfeit flooding Continuing to innovate However, some fans believe Labubu could be a passing fad. “I don’t know if in a year from now, they’re still going to be as big,” says Chamorro. If Pop Mart fails to maintain excitement, Lafufus — or an entirely new collectible trend — could replace Labubu in the spotlight. H2: Key Takeaways Labubu dolls are a global craze driving Pop Mart’s revenue past $4B. Lafufu fakes are rising due to scarcity and affordability. Pop Mart is fighting back with lawsuits, stricter IP protections, and production boosts. Social media continues to fuel both real and fake Labubu trends. Pop Mart’s long-term success depends on innovation, accessibility, and brand trust. FAQ – People Also Ask Q1. Why are Labubu dolls so popular? Labubu’s success comes from its blind box strategy, social media hype, and limited availability, making the toys collectible and exclusive. Q2. How can I tell if my Labubu is real or fake? Look for a holographic sticker, QR code, nine teeth, and a UV stamp on new models to verify authenticity. Q3. Why are Lafufu fake dolls trending? They’re cheaper, easier to find, and often considered unique due to manufacturing quirks, making them appealing to fans priced out of real Labubus. Q4. Is Pop Mart doing anything to stop Lafufu counterfeits? Yes, Pop Mart has filed lawsuits, boosted production, and worked with Chinese customs to seize fake Labubus. Q5. Will Labubu stay popular in 2026 and beyond? It depends on whether Pop Mart can keep up with demand, prevent counterfeits, and introduce new products to maintain fan engagement.

People Love Their Fake Labubus – Can Pop Mart Handle the Craze?

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Labubu dolls from Pop Mart are selling out worldwide, pushing fans to buy cheaper Lafufu knock-offs. Can Pop Mart maintain its dominance in 2025?

Introduction

The world has fallen in love with Labubu, the mischievous, furry collectible dolls by Pop Mart. But in 2025, a surprising twist has shaken the market: fans are turning to fake Labubus, popularly known as Lafufus, as authentic dolls become harder — and more expensive — to find.

From overnight lines outside Pop Mart stores to $100 reseller prices, Labubu collectors are facing challenges. Meanwhile, the growing Lafufu trend is raising questions: Can Pop Mart keep up with the demand, protect its brand, and stay ahead in the global toy market?

The Rise of Labubu — How Pop Mart Created a Global Craze

Founded in Beijing, Pop Mart has become one of the fastest-growing toy companies globally, primarily thanks to Labubu. Introduced as part of the brand’s blind box strategy, these toys became a viral sensation across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

  • Pop Mart’s 2025 revenue is projected to exceed 30 billion yuan (~$4.2 billion).
  • In the Americas, revenue soared 1,000% year-over-year.
  • Sales of Labubus alone jumped 668% in the first half of 2025.

Why Labubu Became Viral:

  1. Blind Box Appeal → Buyers don’t know which doll they’ll get, making it exciting and addictive.
  2. TikTok & Social Media Trends → Short videos showcasing Labubu collections drive demand.
  3. Exclusivity & Scarcity → Limited drops make people wait in lines or pay huge resale prices.

Enter Lafufus — Why People Are Choosing Fakes

When authentic Labubus became harder to find and more expensive, fans turned to alternatives: Lafufus — counterfeit versions of Labubu dolls.

“Trying to get a real Labubu, it’s almost like The Hunger Games,” says Joselyn Chamorro, a Florida collector who bought a Lafufu for $20 at a gas station.

Key reasons fans buy Lafufus:

  • Affordability → Fake Labubus cost $15–$25 vs. $30–$40 for originals.
  • Accessibility → Found in local shops, gas stations, and even phone repair stores.
  • Unique Quirks → Many Lafufus have manufacturing imperfections, making them “charming” in their own way.

This growing acceptance of knock-offs shows how consumer behavior is shifting, especially among Gen Z and Millennials.

Pop Mart’s Battle Against Counterfeits

Pop Mart is not sitting quietly while Lafufus flood the market. The company has trademarked Labubu since 2019 in the U.S. and 2016 internationally.

  • Pop Mart sued 7-Eleven stores in California for selling fake Labubus.
  • The company is expected to expand lawsuits against other sellers globally.

China’s Crackdown on Lafufus

  • Chinese customs officials are seizing counterfeit shipments.
  • Ironically, China — known for manufacturing counterfeits — is now protecting its homegrown IP.

How to Spot a Real Labubu

Pop Mart has introduced authenticity features to help fans identify real Labubus:

  • Holographic Pop Mart sticker
  • Scannable QR code linking to the official website
  • Nine teeth (yes, fans actually count!)
  • New models include a UV stamp on one foot

The Social Media Effect — Why Lafufus Are Winning Attention

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X have played a significant role in normalizing fake Labubu ownership.

“Lafufus are a lot more unique looking,” says Cassandra Harrison from New Jersey. “People like the little mess-ups and imperfections.”

Key insights:

  • TikTok hashtags like #Labubu and #Lafufu have millions of views.
  • Some fans proudly showcase Lafufus online instead of hiding them.
  • User-generated content is driving both real and fake Labubu demand.

Pop Mart’s Growth Strategy Beyond Labubu

While Labubu dominates the market today, Pop Mart is working to avoid becoming a one-hit wonder.

  • New character launches, including mini Labubus, are planned for late 2025.
  • Pop Mart is rapidly expanding internationally, with 50+ new stores opened in 2025 alone.
  • Morningstar analysts predict that by 2034, 70% of Pop Mart’s revenue will come from outside China.

Can Pop Mart Beat Disney and Sanrio?

Analysts say Pop Mart must grow beyond virality and compete with established players like Disney and Sanrio. The challenge?

  • Building long-term brand loyalty
  • Sustaining high return on investment
  • Innovating constantly to outpace Lafufu makers

The Future of Labubu — Trend or Timeless Brand?

Pop Mart’s future depends on:

  • Managing supply shortages
  • Controlling counterfeit flooding
  • Continuing to innovate

However, some fans believe Labubu could be a passing fad.

“I don’t know if in a year from now, they’re still going to be as big,” says Chamorro.

If Pop Mart fails to maintain excitement, Lafufus — or an entirely new collectible trend — could replace Labubu in the spotlight.

Key Takeaways

  • Labubu dolls are a global craze driving Pop Mart’s revenue past $4B.
  • Lafufu fakes are rising due to scarcity and affordability.
  • Pop Mart is fighting back with lawsuits, stricter IP protections, and production boosts.
  • Social media continues to fuel both real and fake Labubu trends.
  • Pop Mart’s long-term success depends on innovation, accessibility, and brand trust.

FAQ – People Also Ask

Q1. Why are Labubu dolls so popular?
Labubu’s success comes from its blind box strategy, social media hype, and limited availability, making the toys collectible and exclusive.

Q2. How can I tell if my Labubu is real or fake?
Look for a holographic sticker, QR code, nine teeth, and a UV stamp on new models to verify authenticity.

Q3. Why are Lafufu fake dolls trending?
They’re cheaper, easier to find, and often considered unique due to manufacturing quirks, making them appealing to fans priced out of real Labubus.

Q4. Is Pop Mart doing anything to stop Lafufu counterfeits?
Yes, Pop Mart has filed lawsuits, boosted production, and worked with Chinese customs to seize fake Labubus.

Q5. Will Labubu stay popular in 2026 and beyond?
It depends on whether Pop Mart can keep up with demand, prevent counterfeits, and introduce new products to maintain fan engagement.

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