Labubu Lands in Berlin: The Cult Toy Craze Opens First Flagship in Germany

Berlin’s latest obsession isn’t a sneaker drop or a secret rave it’s Labubu, the fluffy, fanged misfit that’s taken Gen Z and global pop culture by storm.

On July 25, Chinese pop toy powerhouse Pop Mart officially opened the doors to its first ever German store inside a Berlin shopping mall, welcoming fans with exclusive merchandise, influencer sightings, and a queue so long it resembled a fashion week front row. Hundreds lined up some with folding chairs, others typing away on laptops just for a chance to clutch the infamous plush with the wicked smile.

What makes Labubu so addictively collectible? The mystery. Each figure comes boxed and blind, making every unwrapping a mini spectacle. It’s part monster, part magic. With over 2.4 million TikTok posts tagged #Labubu, even Hollywood couldn’t resist Brad Pitt and the cast of F1: The Movie joined the trend, posting their own Labubu unboxing moment online.

Born from the imagination of artist Kasing Lung, Labubu debuted in a 2015 picture book inspired by Nordic mythology. But it wasn’t until 2019, when Lung partnered with Pop Mart, that Labubu’s rise went global. By 2023, the company introduced plush versions on key rings instantly transforming it into a fashion accessory. Icons like Lisa of BLACKPINK, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa have all been spotted flaunting the collectible.

And the numbers? Wild. In 2024 alone, Pop Mart’s plush toy sales rocketed over 1,200%, helping push company revenue to a jaw-dropping ¥13.04 billion RMB (approx. $1.8 billion USD). As of 2025, Labubu isn’t just a toy it’s a phenomenon reshaping the intersection of consumer culture, fashion, and fandom.

Berlin is just the beginning!

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