Pop Mart, the maker of the popular Labubu monster bag charms, has halted sales of the toys in all UK stores following alarming incidents of customer altercations and chaos at various locations. The company announced the temporary suspension, set to last until June, to mitigate potential safety risks for shoppers.
Customer Dispersion and Chaos
Victoria Calvert, a dedicated Labubu fan, described her experience at a Pop Mart store in Stratford, London, where she encountered significant disorder. โIt was just getting ridiculousโฆ people were fighting and shouting, and you felt scared,โ she recounted, highlighting the tense atmosphere. According to her, some customers had arrived as early as 3:00 AM BST, desperate to secure the coveted toys.
Retail experts suggest that the halt in stock may only amplify demand, which has garnered mixed responses from the fan base. The Labubu dolls, which have gained notable attention on social media platforms like TikTok after being endorsed by celebrities, are often seen as trendy fashion accessories. Prices for the toys range from ยฃ13.50 to upwards of ยฃ50, with rare editions fetching hundreds on resale websites.
Pop Martโs Strategy Shift
The decision to suspend sales comes as Pop Mart develops a more organised and equitable system for future releases. A company spokesperson confirmed that no employees were injured during the fracas but emphasised that preemptive measures were necessary to ensure customer safety. โWeโve chosen to act early to prevent any potential safety issues from occurring,โ the spokesperson stated.
Despite the temporary sales freeze, many fans expressed anger on social media platforms. โItโs your fault for drip-feeding stock to us thatโs caused this hype,โ one commenter noted on Instagram. Others targeted resellers, voicing frustration over inflated prices and accessibility, with one stating, โBuyers are reselling them for ยฃ100โฆ unacceptable.โ
Fan Reactions
While some long-time fans lament the current situation, some view the pause as necessary. Jaydee, a marketing executive, noted that the allure of the toys has been diminished by resellers who dominate the market. โNow I can go into Pop Mart without having to queue,โ she remarked, reflecting a mixed sentiment among enthusiasts.
Calvert shared that she ultimately left the queue due to the negative environment. โIt was a pretty bad experience, it was really scary,โ she said. Observing the aggressive behaviour among buyers, she suggested that some early arrivals looked like resellers, as they quickly attempted to monetise their positions.
Industry Perspectives
Industry analysts are weighing in on the implications of Pop Martโs decision. Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, noted that the frenzy surrounding stock drops has escalated, leading to an unmanageable situation for the company. โOut-of-control crowds could affect the brandโs playful and fun appeal,โ she warned.
Furthermore, Sarah Johnson, founder of consultancy Flourish Retail, described the suspension of sales as a calculated manoeuvre. โCollectable brands like Labubu use scarcity as a powerful tool,โ she explained, noting that this strategy can drive consumer interest but must be managed carefully to avoid customer dissatisfaction.
Future Outlook
As Pop Mart prepares to return the Labubu dolls to stores in June, the company is committed to enhancing the buying process to prevent the chaos witnessed in recent weeks. โWe are currently working on a new release mechanism that is better structured and more equitable for everyone involved,โ the spokesperson added.
With anxieties surrounding the resale market and the rise of counterfeit products, enthusiasts and casual buyers will watch closely to see how the company navigates the challenges ahead.
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