Not a fan of stuffed toys or LABUBU, but their success story interests me.
How Limited inventory and blind unboxing shaped their success path of LABUBU
1) As the wide-eyed, sharp-toothed, fashionable toy called LABUBU became rare, the market moved to internet forums and resale sites.
When a product is always available, excitement is diminished.
2) The blind box format makes it entertaining and engaging. You don’t know which figure of LABUBU you’ll get until you open the box. Fans experience a thrill with each unpacking. The randomization adds to the sense of discovery while unwrapping.
For some people, finding a rare figure of LABUBU is the goal, while others enjoy the process. This transforms shopping into a narrative.
Brands that reduce barriers to purchase frequently overlook the significance of the element of surprise.
3) LABUBU was built from scratch, with an awkward design making it memorable.
People relate to its imperfection and see it as a personal item rather than a branded item.
Brands with well-known designs are stuck in the same circle. It’s harder to stand out without room to build an original product design.
4) Genuine and authentic feeling towards LABUBU. Not just celebs, every girl/Lady had a LABUBU on her handbag.
Constant post writing and influencer campaigns often struggle to connect.
Where there is no real excitement and interest, the impact disappears.
5) LABUBU isn’t just something bought, it’s collected, traded, and shared.
Fans of LABUBU are organizing restock alerts using Telegram groups, posting unboxing on TikTok, and meeting at store events.
LABUBU Company supports themed stores and frequent releases that reward long-term interest.
The LABUBU community activity has helped them stay relevant. For many fans, the connection is as important as the product.
Brands after conversion overlook the value of culture. Without a community, the momentum fades once the product is old.
LABUBU success is not just about design or price. It reflects a shift in modern buying from products and brands.
It’s about cultural relevance, community-driven engagement, and emotional appeal
Brands that ignore these three will still sell, but will not spark the kind of loyalty and excitement that keeps people coming back.
