Labubu Manufacturer Announces Launch of US Headquarters in California

The renowned Labubu Pop Mart is setting up its central hub in California.

These highly coveted plush creatures, characterized by their “ugly-cute” appeal with distinctive sharp teeth, elongated ears, and furry bodies, are the brainchild of artist Kasing Lung, who introduced them in 2015 through Pop Mart.

Planned for Culver City, the new 22,000-square-foot facility will serve as Pop Mart’s U.S. headquarters, as reported by KTLA.

These trending collectible figures often double as stylish bag accessories and are celebrated for their rare and exclusive availability.

Pop Mart has gained fame for its “blind boxes”—mystery toys encased in packaging that conceals the character’s identity until opening—an innovative strategy that has sparked a worldwide craze for these eccentric figures.

Labubu and its fellow plush monsters were initially conceived as part of the picture book series “The Monsters” by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung before evolving into the immensely popular toys they are today.

Despite their sharp teeth, long ears, and slightly sinister looks, the monsters are intended to be “well-intentioned” and “never malicious,” according to Emily Brough, Pop Mart North America’s head of licensing, the network reported.

The Labubu craze exploded internationally after Lisa of Blackpink was spotted with a Labubu keychain in April 2024, quickly followed by celebrities including Dua Lipa and Kim Kardashian, who helped turn the dolls into must-have fashion accessories.

Their popularity has grown so much that counterfeit versions — nicknamed “Lafufus” — have flooded the market, prompting warnings from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission about potential dangers from fake products.

Now China’s viral toy sensation will have it’s US home in Southern California.

The phenomenon has even caught Hollywood’s attention: Sony Pictures acquired the film rights to Labubu earlier this year, signaling the plush toys’ crossover from viral collectibles to mainstream entertainment.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters