Labubus have a devoted and growing fan base. They are among one of the top searched items on eBay and have a pervasive presence online. Videos about Labubus that share what you need to know about the viral toys have millions of views on TikTok. Online restocks sell out in minutes.
From Phoenix, the nearest Pop Mart storefront is in Las Vegas, making it a challenge and an adventure to find them in the Valley. Here’s what you need to know about Labubus and where you can find them.
What is a Labubu?
Conceived and created by Hong Kong artist and author Kasing Lung, Labubu is a character in the picture book series “The Monsters,” which debuted in 2015 and pays tribute to Lung’s childhood in the Netherlands by drawing from Nordic folklore.Four years later, Lung partnered with the Chinese toy company Pop Mart to create toys based on Labubu.
Labubu, true to the series name, is a monster. Her fluffy body, pointy ears and sharp teeth may give her a sinister appearance, but being a monster doesn’t make her evil. The character is known for her being kind-hearted and helpful, even if she sometimes unintentionally causes trouble.
The toy gained immense popularity within the past year, adopted as a trendy accessory by celebrities including Singaporean politicians, K-pop stars and even members of the Thai royal family. Labubus have been key in bringing the plushie keychain bag accessory trend from Asia to the United States.
Due to their perceived exclusivity and abundance of replicas called “Lafufus,” Labubu is recognized as a designer item in the plushie keychain world, with the keychains reselling for as much as 40 times their original retail price. The toy has even been called the Hermes Birkin bag of bag charms. But how can you tell if it’s real if you find one?
How can you tell a real Labubu from a ‘Lafufu’?
There are several signs. Some replicas are of such poor quality that enthusiasts have taken it upon themselves to identify the worst examples. However, if you encounter one that appears authentic, the best way to confirm its legitimacy is by checking the QR code on the box or the toy's tag — it should only link to fwsy.popmart.com.Genuine Labubu boxes typically have a matte finish, whereas fakes tend to be glossy. If the arrow inside the trash can at the bottom back of the box is square, it indicates a phony.
Additionally, if the box isn't opened using a pull string, it is also a counterfeit.
A real Labubu should have nine teeth — any variation in this number as well as a crooked alignment or unevenness, is a sign of a Lafufu.
And then there are the marks of quality. A Lafufu may feature ears that are spaced too widely apart, a hairline that is too high, intense blush or skin tones that appear yellow or pink. Authentic Labubus are notably soft, while counterfeit versions often feel coarser due to cheap materials.
Newer models of Labubus can be further identified using a UV light, under which you’ll see a stamp on their right foot and nose.
How much is a Labubu doll?
The Labubu toy is available in various sizes and designs, from small figurines to large dolls. The keychains, particularly popular since their release in 2023, are sold in boxes that don’t reveal which design they contain.Some Labubu blind box keychain series feature a "secret" design, a rare collectible that is in roughly one of every 75 boxes.
These keychains are priced between $17.99 and $39.99, depending on the series. Previous series included collaborations with Coca-Cola and the manga One Piece.
Due to their various series and designs, Labubu keychains have become highly sought-after collectibles. The blind box packaging has fueled the enthusiasm, making it a challenge to collect the complete set or discover the "secret" item.
Reports indicate that Pop Mart generated $1.6 billion in a single day from Labubu sales, with fans often waiting overnight outside stores for new releases or restocks. Presently, all blind boxes on the Pop Mart website are sold out.
Where can you find Labubus in Phoenix?
Like any viral item, Labubus don't stay on shelves long. The following info is accurate as of June 23, but we recommend calling ahead before driving across town.Claw Haus
2015 N. Dobson Road, # 4, Chandler480-675-7881
This tiny gem has super-friendly staff and plenty of Labubus, but the catch is you have to win them. They even have a picture wall to commemorate the winners.
Claw Haus offers a chance to win the Big Into Energy and Have a Seat series, with store employees stating that a shipment of the Exciting Macaron series is on the way. You can play the claw machines by purchasing a card that you can load with points. Each attempt to get a Labubu will cost you 23 points, or less than $10.
Hong Kong Gifts
66 S. Dobson Road, Mesa602-328-0969Inside Mekong Plaza, Hong Kong Gifts has a glass case filled with Labubus with a paper taped to it saying “100% Real.” That’s how legit this thing is. In May, they had plenty in stock, including the ‘Big Into Energy,’ ‘Exciting Macaron,’ and ‘Coca-Cola’ series with prices ranging from $45 - $ 75. As of June 23, they carry the Exciting Macaron and Coca-Cola series Labubus, and sell them one per customer with prices ranging from $58 to $80. They only sell 10 per day due to low inventory. A store employee also said that the store will only be open on the weekends until July 15.
Robo Shop
7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale3111 W. Chandler Blvd., ChandlerAlthough Pop Mart does not have a storefront in Arizona, they do have two vending machines located inside Arrowhead Mall in Glendale and Chandler Fashion Center in Chandler. These are the only two official locations in Arizona listed on the Pop Mart website, so you are sure to get an authentic Labubu at retail price. However, upon visiting both vending machines, there were none in stock. People can often be seen waiting in line for restocks. Although we couldn't find any reliable information on when these vending machines are restocked, they are rumored to be restocked around 5 p.m.
AZ Hats
3243 E. McDowell Road602-692-6682This hat shop restocks Labubus every two weeks. They typically carry two versions, although restocks vary. Their price for retail ranges from $45 to $50.
Archive
5032 N. Central Ave.480-760-1625This streetwear store sells sneakers and clothing as well as Labubus. They have all three versions in stock, ranging from $50 to $70.
Neko Mart
1250 E. Apache Blvd., #106, Tempe480-492-9942
As of June 23, Neko Mart had the Coca-Cola series in stock as well as one Big Into Energy and one Exciting Macaron. Prices range from $75 to $85 and we were told they are not expecting any new shipments; restock information is posted on their Instagram.
H Mart
1919 W. Main St., Mesa480-207-4560Inside this large Korean grocery store, the beauty shop next to the food court sells Labubus. There were none in stock as of June 24. A store employee said that a restock shipment may arrive in the coming week, retailing between $44 and $60. If you are interested in purchasing a Labubu through this retailer, they will take down your name and number so they can contact you when they are back in stock.
Other stores to check:
Polar Bear Pop Culture Shop
2240 N. Scottsdale Road, #102, Tempe602-918-9654This shop has previously stocked Labubu keychains, but they are currently out of stock and unable to provide information on a restock.
Spice Scottsdale
3217 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale480-953-0502
Although they are currently out of stock, the store posts its restocks on Instagram.
