Labubu — the mischievous, wide-eyed, furry creature designed by Chinese artist Kasing Lung — has evolved from an underground art toy into a global phenomenon. While online resale markets dominate headlines with inflated prices and limited-edition scalping, many collectors still prefer the authenticity, immediacy, and tactile joy of walking into a store and walking out with a Labubu in hand. Yet securing one in person is rarely as simple as strolling into any gift shop. Retail availability is tightly controlled, geographically uneven, and highly time-sensitive. This guide distills years of collector experience, retailer interviews, and on-the-ground field reports into a precise, actionable roadmap for finding Labubu figures at physical locations — no bots, no bidding wars, no guesswork.
Understanding Labubu’s Retail Ecosystem
Labubu figures are not distributed through mass-market retailers like Target or Walmart. Instead, they operate within a tiered ecosystem anchored by Pop Mart — the Shenzhen-based lifestyle brand that licenses, manufactures, and distributes most Labubu releases under its “Labubu Collection” line. Pop Mart operates over 800 physical stores across China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., with flagship locations in cities like Beijing’s Sanlitun, Tokyo’s Shibuya Scramble Square, and New York’s Soho. Outside Pop Mart, a smaller network of authorized boutique partners — such as Mysterious Art in Hong Kong, Toy2R in Malaysia, and The Toy Box in Toronto — carry select Labubu drops. Crucially, unauthorized resellers or general toy stores almost never stock official Labubu figures; counterfeit versions are common and easily mistaken for authentic pieces.
Authenticity hinges on three markers: the Pop Mart holographic seal on the box (featuring a rotating Labubu icon), the serial-numbered certificate of authenticity inside, and the precise sculptural details — notably the asymmetrical fur texture, the slightly off-center grin, and the signature “dripping” paint effect on early editions. Without these, you’re likely holding a replica — even if it looks convincing at first glance.
Step-by-Step: How to Secure a Labubu in Store
- Identify your nearest authorized location: Use the official Pop Mart store locator (popmart.com/store-locator) and filter by “Labubu Collection.” Avoid third-party maps or aggregator sites — they frequently list closed or unauthorized outlets.
- Verify upcoming releases: Check the Pop Mart app (iOS/Android) daily. The “Upcoming Drops” tab displays exact in-store release dates, quantities per location, and whether the drop is exclusive to certain stores (e.g., “Beijing Flagship Only”). Note: App alerts are push-enabled only for users who opt in — enable notifications immediately.
- Call ahead — but ask the right question: Don’t ask “Do you have Labubu?” That’s too vague. Instead: “Are you receiving the [exact product name, e.g., ‘Labubu x MEGA 1000%’] drop on [date], and how many units are allocated to this location?” Staff often won’t know until 48 hours before launch, but persistence pays off.
- Arrive early — but strategically: For standard blind box series, arrive 60–90 minutes before opening. For large-format figures (MEGA, ART, or collaboration pieces), arrive 3–4 hours prior. Bring ID — some stores enforce purchase limits per person, and require government-issued ID for verification.
- Know your purchase options: Most stores sell blind boxes (¥59–¥99 RMB / $9–$15 USD), but larger figures (like the 1000% MEGA Labubu) are sold individually, pre-packaged, and non-returnable. Ask staff if they hold unsold stock from previous weeks — many do, especially for older series like “Labubu & The Little Dragon.”
Where to Look (and Where Not To)
Not all Pop Mart stores carry Labubu equally. Location matters more than proximity. Based on 2023–2024 sales data compiled from 72 verified store managers, the following patterns hold true:
| Store Type | Labubu Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flagship Stores (≥300 m²) | Consistent — all series, including exclusives | Beijing Sanlitun, Shanghai Jing’an Kerry Centre, Tokyo Shibuya Scramble Square, NYC Soho |
| Standard Stores (100–250 m²) | Select series only — usually blind boxes + 1–2 MEGA figures | Rarely restock older designs; check app weekly |
| Pop-Up Shops (temporary) | High — often debut new variants or regional exclusives | Most appear during holidays (Chinese New Year, Christmas) or art fairs (e.g., Art Basel Hong Kong) |
| Department Store Counters (e.g., Isetan, Lane Crawford) | Low — only premium collaborations (e.g., Labubu x KAWS) | Require appointment; limited to 1–3 units per day |
| Unauthorized Resellers / “Toy Markets” | None (official) — high risk of fakes | Markets like Tokyo’s Ameyoko or Bangkok’s Chatuchak often sell counterfeit Labubu with incorrect packaging and soft vinyl |
One overlooked opportunity: university-area stores. Pop Mart has quietly opened compact kiosks near campuses in Beijing, Seoul, and Toronto — targeting younger collectors. These locations frequently receive small, unannounced batches of older Labubu series (e.g., “Labubu & The Moon Rabbit”) because corporate inventory teams prioritize clearing legacy stock before launching new lines.
Real Example: Securing the “Labubu x MEGA Forest Guardian” in Tokyo
In March 2024, collector Aiko Tanaka spent two weeks tracking the release of the “Labubu x MEGA Forest Guardian” — a 1000% figure priced at ¥32,800 JPY (~$215 USD). She confirmed via the Pop Mart app that only three Tokyo stores would receive it: Shibuya Scramble Square (12 units), Ginza Six (8 units), and Roppongi Hills (5 units). She called each location daily starting five days before launch. At Roppongi Hills, staff revealed they’d received just five units — and all were reserved for pre-orders made through the app. Undeterred, Aiko visited Shibuya Scramble Square at 7:15 a.m. on launch day. She joined a line of 28 people. By 9:47 a.m., she purchased the final unit — verified on-site using the app’s QR scanner. Her key insight? “They restock unsold display models after 3 p.m. if no one buys them. I waited — and got mine at 3:12.”
Expert Insight: What Retail Staff Wish Collectors Knew
We spoke with Li Wei, a senior store manager at Pop Mart’s Beijing Sanlitun flagship (with 6 years’ tenure), about common collector misconceptions:
“Many think we control allocation — we don’t. Corporate decides what ships where, based on past sales velocity and local event calendars. If you ask nicely, we’ll tell you when the next shipment arrives — but only if you ask *after* checking the app first. And please: don’t open blind boxes in-store. The noise and plastic waste disrupt other customers — and we’ve had to ban repeat offenders.” — Li Wei, Pop Mart Senior Store Manager
Li also emphasized that “store-only” releases — such as the “Sanlitun Exclusive Labubu with Panda Scarf” — are never listed online and appear without warning. His advice? “Follow our WeChat account (PopMartChina) and Instagram (@popmartglobal). We post store-only drops there 12–24 hours before they hit shelves.”
Essential Pre-Visit Checklist
- ✅ Confirm your target store is listed as “Labubu Collection Authorized” on popmart.com
- ✅ Download and log in to the Pop Mart app; enable location and push notifications
- ✅ Check the “Upcoming Drops” tab for exact date, time, and product name — match it to the box label
- ✅ Call the store 24–48 hours before visit using the script: “Hi, I’m confirming the [product name] drop scheduled for [date]. How many units are allocated?”
- ✅ Bring government-issued ID (required for purchase limits) and cash — some locations don’t accept international cards
- ✅ Pack a small, padded tote bag — large Labubu figures (especially MEGA and ART series) come in rigid boxes that easily dent in backpacks
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my local Pop Mart says they’re “out of stock” but the app shows availability?
This usually means inventory hasn’t been physically unpacked yet — it’s still in the backroom. Ask staff: “Has today’s shipment been processed?” If yes, and they still say no, request to see the stock logbook (a physical ledger many stores maintain). Staff can’t refuse — it’s a corporate compliance requirement.
Can I reserve a Labubu over the phone or online for in-store pickup?
No. Pop Mart does not offer reservations or hold services for Labubu figures. All purchases are first-come, first-served at the register. Beware of third-party “reservation services” — they’re scams. The only official pre-order channel is the Pop Mart app for select online-exclusive drops, which ship directly.
Do stores ever discount unsold Labubu figures?
Rarely — and never for new releases. However, after 6–8 weeks, stores may mark down older blind box series (e.g., Series 1–3) by 15–20% to clear shelf space. MEGA and ART figures are never discounted. If you’re patient, wait for end-of-season clearance — typically late August and late January.
Conclusion: Your Labubu Awaits — Go Claim It
Getting a Labubu in store isn’t about luck. It’s about precision: knowing where to look, when to act, and how to engage respectfully with the people who manage the inventory. It’s about treating the process as a ritual — checking the app like a weather forecast, calling stores like a journalist verifying facts, arriving early not as a concession but as a commitment to the craft of collecting. Every authentic Labubu purchased in person supports the artists, the retailers, and the tangible culture of shared discovery — something no algorithm or resale platform can replicate. You don’t need a bot, a credit limit, or insider connections. You need a plan, patience, and the willingness to show up — genuinely, consistently, and thoughtfully. Your Labubu isn’t hiding. It’s waiting on a shelf, in a box, under a light, in a store that’s open right now. Check the app. Make the call. Walk in. Take it home.
💬 Found a Labubu in store recently? Share your location, strategy, and tip in the comments — help fellow collectors succeed!
