If you have been on TikTok, or any social media this summer, it’s likely a Labubu has crossed your feed. These collectibles, known for their furry figure and creepy face, have eyes that follow people due to optical illusions.
“Labubus are Devilish, demonic, and always looking at you,” says Rylee Brink ’28.
Originating in Hong Kong, Labubus blew up on TikTok due to shoutouts from Rhianna, KPOP stars and a multitude of other influencers. Now, more famous than ever, Labubu has become a hot topic in the global fashion industry.
Their notoriety isn’t the only thing rising, as Labubu prices have skyrocketed this year. Originally retailing for around thirty dollars, the secondhand market is now charging in the hundreds for a single Labubu due to the demand and scarcity of the product. The high prices have made the collectibles even more sought after, and has led some crazed customers to take action.
In early August, One Stop Sales, a store in Los Angeles, was burglarized by four masked men at one in the morning. During the heist, seven thousand dollars worth of Labubus were taken from the store, clearing out all of the store’s product. The criminals made haste in a stolen Toyota Tacoma that was found by police later on, and the store has security footage of the attack. However, the criminals have not been caught and it is likely that the Labubus have already been resold.
Furthermore, thirty thousand dollars worth of Labubus were confiscated from a home in San Bernardino, California. The stolen Labubus were taken over a span of several days and it was evident the burglars were looking to sell the collectables. It is likely that any secondhand consumer of these would have had no idea the Labubus were stolen, but it just represents another example of the demand for these products.
Overall, Labubus are extremely sought after and criminals have taken them as their next target for robberies. However, this doesn’t stop at just criminals.
“I would cut off my left pinky for a Labubu,” said Gavin Hunsicker ’28.
Although peaking in the summer, the Labubu craze hasn’t stopped and looks to be a continuous fashion trend throughout 2025.
