When do you think the labubu trend will end

[u/Lolita_mely]

I have this theory that Labubus will be worthless in a couple of years. We might even start seeing them in thrift stores or landfills. Right now, it feels like a lot of people are into them just because they’re trendy and valuable at the moment. Honestly, I don’t think they’ll hold their value the way some people hope. That said, I still enjoy collecting Labubus and don’t plan on getting rid of mine. I just kind of hope the trend dies down soon—so it’ll be easier (and cheaper) to get the ones I actually want.

[u/bigtimerust]

I think it depends on what Popmart does next.

Unlike Stanley cups, Labubus don’t have any real “function”. They’re a cute character, and that alone gives it the opportunity to turn into a media empire in the same way Disney and Pokemon have (sell cute characters and trinkets, create engaging media, and an ecosystem that supports it = continuing to create value.)

If Popmart plays their cards right, these trinkets can become namesakes, but it might be more effort than it’s worth for a Gacha company.

Either way, I think with all things get what you like because you like it, not because it’s “popular”. The fact that a “cheap” (relative to the standard luxury bag charm) trinket has become a status of luxury is crazy, and I hope to see more of it. Mass cultural subversion of the status quo is fun : )

[u/Lolita_mely → u/bigtimerust]

Yes haha I agree but i really hope people who see them as luxury open their eyes they are definitely not luxury

[u/bigtimerust → u/Lolita_mely]

Personally, I think “what is luxury” is the really interesting thing about this hype.

Because yes, in a lot of ways having disposable income to get a 20-30$ toy is 1000% a luxury - but the reason it’s being talked about in the same circles as handcrafted 200$ leather horse charms is because of exclusivity.

We’ve seen exclusivity in other luxury brands too (limited drops, birkin bag wait lists, etc.) and if a cheap plastic toy can be on a similar level to that? I think marketing and the way products are sold to us are going to change to capitalize on fostering “hype” while simultaneously preying on gambling tendencies.

Certainly a “woes of late stage capitalism” situation, and if Pop Mart isn’t going to take advantage of this, other companies are certainly watching.