Why Is Everyone Obsessed With Labubus?

The podcast episode of "The Journal" explores the phenomenon of Labubus, the furry monster toys created by Chinese toy company PopMart. It details their rise in popularity, driven by celebrity endorsements and social media trends, and the resulting scarcity and hype. The episode features insights from a Labubu influencer, Ebony Hall, and Wall Street Journal reporter, Caitlin Wang, who discuss the craze, the challenges of obtaining the toys, and the emergence of counterfeit versions ("LaFufus"). It also touches on PopMart's business growth, its marketing strategy targeting "kidult" consumers, and regulatory concerns surrounding blind box toys, comparing the phenomenon to past collectible fads and exploring PopMart's potential to build a lasting empire akin to Disney through its intellectual property.