forbes.com
Labubu x Vans Collaboration Drives Collectible Toy Resale Market
A limited-edition Vans x Labubu collaboration is being auctioned on eBay for nearly \$10,000, highlighting the collectible toy's escalating value due to scarcity and viral fame, mirroring previous collectible crazes like Beanie Babies.
- What is the immediate impact of Labubu's popularity on the secondary market for collectible toys?
- A limited-edition Vans x Labubu collaboration is being auctioned on eBay, with bids nearing \$10,000. This follows the trend of Labubu dolls, initially priced at \$20-\$30, reselling for thousands due to scarcity and viral popularity. The high resale value is comparable to other collectible toys like Beanie Babies.
- What factors beyond scarcity contribute to the exceptionally high resale value of certain Labubu dolls?
- The surge in Labubu's resale value is driven by factors including celebrity endorsements (Blackpink's Lisa, Rihanna, Dua Lipa), TikTok virality, and limited availability (1-in-72 chance of getting a 'secret' doll). This scarcity, coupled with fervent demand, mirrors previous collectible crazes like Beanie Babies, creating a lucrative secondary market. The intense consumer demand has even led to instances of violence at Pop Mart stores.
- What are the potential long-term implications for Pop Mart's valuation and the Labubu market given its current trajectory and the history of similar collectible crazes?
- Pop Mart's financial forecast projects a significant increase in profit and revenue for the first half of 2025, largely attributed to Labubu's success. However, this has also led to concerns about market overvaluation, as reflected in a recent 6% stock price drop. The long-term sustainability of this high demand and resale value remains uncertain, echoing the eventual decline of past collectible bubbles.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the financial aspects of the Labubu craze, highlighting the potential for high profits and comparing it to past collectible toy bubbles. The headline and lead focus on the monetary value, potentially overshadowing other aspects of the story. The use of phrases like "five figures" and "$10,000 mark" immediately sets a financial tone.
Language Bias
The article uses enthusiastic and positive language to describe the Labubu phenomenon, employing phrases like "viral phenomenon," "skyrocketed in popularity," and "much-more-valuable." While this reflects the excitement surrounding the toys, it lacks complete neutrality and could be considered subtly biased towards a positive portrayal.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the financial success and resale value of Labubu toys, potentially omitting discussion of the toys' artistic merit, cultural impact, or the broader implications of the collectible toy market. It also doesn't explore potential negative impacts of the high demand, such as environmental concerns related to production or the ethical implications of the intense competition among collectors.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of the Labubu phenomenon, contrasting the high resale value of rare dolls with the lower price of common ones, without fully exploring the nuances of the market or the various factors driving demand. It doesn't delve into the possibility of the market stabilizing or declining in the future.
Gender Bias
While the article mentions several celebrities, there's no apparent gender bias in the selection or portrayal of these individuals. However, the anecdote about a woman's stolen Labubu could be considered a subtle example of gendered framing, as it focuses on a personal anecdote rather than broader market trends.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a significant price disparity between the initial cost of Labubu toys and their resale value, exacerbating economic inequality. While the toys themselves are not inherently unequal, the market dynamics create an environment where only some can afford rare or limited edition versions, thus widening the gap between those who can afford these high-priced collectibles and those who cannot.