Looking for Labubus? This is the best place to find the trending monsters in Cork
You may not know your Labubu from your elbow.
And honestly, why would you? But if you live with anyone under the age of 18, chances are you’ve already been introduced—likely against your will—to the latest global pop culture phenomenon.
For the blissfully unaware, a Labubu is a collectible “ugly-cute” monster elf toy, famous for its oversized ears and a mischievous, fanged grin.
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Created by Hong Kong-Belgian designer Kasing Lung, the craze started as a character in Lung’s story series called “The Monsters,” which was influenced by Nordic folklore and mythology.
Labubu gained widespread popularity through its collaboration with Pop Mart, a China-based retailer known for its collectible “blind box” toys. In June, a rare, first-generation Labubu figure sold for $150,000 in a Beijing auction.
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Such is the frenzy that Labubus are tricky to get your hands on, but there are a few Cork spots that stock the goods.
All things Labubu are available at Kawaii Store and More in the Marina Market, with a range of different types and genres of the viral dolls, plus key rings, earrings, and teddies available.
You can also find them at MacCarthy’s Interiors in Douglas Court and One Kick on St Patrick’s Street (beside Schuh).
Beware the ‘Lafufu’
If you’re in the market for collectible Labubus, it’s important to make sure you don’t splash your cash on a Lafufu (that’s a fake).
To determine if a Labubu toy is real, pay close attention to the packaging, the toy’s details, and the presence of a QR code for verification. Authentic Labubu boxes have a matte finish and muted colors, while fake boxes may be glossy or brightly coloured.
Collectors say that genuine Labubus have a pale peach complexion, nine teeth, and may have a hidden authenticity stamp on the foot visible under UV light.
