PopMart Labubu Australia & NZ 2026: The Ultimate Collector's Guide
Labubu has transformed from a niche designer toy into a cultural phenomenon sweeping across Australia and New Zealand. With Pop Mart's aggressive expansion down under – including flagship stores in Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland plus 19 automated Robo Shops – the mischievous monster with pointed ears and serrated teeth is dominating the collectibles market. But is Labubu a good investment in 2026? Let's dive into the data.
What is Labubu? The Character Behind the Craze
Labubu is a small monster character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and produced by Chinese toy manufacturer Pop Mart. Despite its mischievous appearance with high pointed ears and serrated teeth, Labubu is portrayed as kind-hearted. The character belongs to "The Monsters" series and has become Pop Mart's flagship property, generating approximately 35% of the company's revenue.
The appeal lies in the blind box mechanics: each box contains a random figure from a themed series, creating an element of surprise and the thrill of potentially scoring a rare "chase" variant. This gamification of collecting has proven addictive, with some fans waiting overnight for new releases.
The Australasian Market Explosion
Australia: From Niche to Mainstream
Pop Mart entered Australia in August 2022 and has since expanded to 11 physical stores across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, plus 19 automated Robo Shops. The strategy is working – Pop Mart's stock surged 425% over the last year on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with investors reaping rewards from Labubu fever.
Key Australian retail presence:
- Flagship stores in major CBD locations
- Robo Shops in shopping centers and high-traffic areas
- Woolworths partnership: Labubu Big Into Energy blind boxes available through Everyday Market
- Online: Official Pop Mart Australia store with AU$ pricing
Pricing structure:
- Standard blind boxes: AU$14.99-34.50
- Plush pendants: AU$34.50
- Rare editions: Up to AU$420 on resale platforms
New Zealand: The Emerging Market
While smaller than Australia, the NZ market is more passionate and less saturated. Local collectors report that authentic Labubu sells out within hours of restock, creating immediate resale opportunities.
Key NZ retail presence:
- The Game Tree NZ: Auckland-based retailer stocking Labubu
- Trade Me: NZ's largest marketplace with 881+ Labubu listings
- Pop Mart NZ: Official store with NZ$ pricing
- Blindbox.co.nz: Specialist guide for NZ collectors
Pricing structure:
Investment Value: Are Labubu Figures a Good Investment?
The Numbers Don't Lie
Labubu resale prices have surged 741% in recent years. Pop Mart's revenue from Labubu products jumped 668% in just the first half of 2025. The average resale price reached $121 USD, with TikTok Shop sales hitting $5.5 million in June 2025 alone.
Key investment metrics:
- Standard blind boxes: $15-30 AUD/NZD retail → $20-75 resale (33-150% markup)
- Plush toys: $20-300 AUD/NZD retail → $40-500+ resale (100-67% markup)
- Rare editions: $1,800-10,000+ AUD/NZD for secret variants
- Full sets: $40-200 AUD/NZD retail → $260-350 NZD resale (550-75% markup)
What Drives Value?
1. Scarcity & Production Limits
Pop Mart limits production runs and retires popular designs after a season, creating artificial scarcity. The Big Into Energy series launched at $79 yuan per blind box (1,106 yuan for full set) briefly spiked to 3,200 yuan per set due to reseller activity.
2. Cultural Momentum
Labubu benefits from cross-industry recognition. Collaborations with Disney (Labubu x Mickey Mouse), fashion houses like Angel Chen, and museum exhibitions elevate its status beyond mere merchandise. The "kidult economy" – adults buying toys for themselves – now represents 40% of Build-a-Bear's customer base, showing the trend's mainstream acceptance.
3. Social Media Virality
TikTok and Instagram drive viral interest in unboxing videos and collection showcases. In Singapore, 40% of people spend SGD 25 monthly on Labubu, showing how social proof creates sustained demand.
4. Regional Exclusivity
Australian and New Zealand releases often differ from Asian markets, creating regional scarcity premiums. The "Have a Good Run" series launching January 16, 2026 is limited to 1 whole set per customer, immediately creating resale value.
The 2026 Market Reality: Boom or Bubble?
Warning Signs
Analysts are drawing comparisons to the Beanie Babies craze of the 1990s. Pop Mart's Hong Kong-listed stock dropped 40% from its late-summer peak in recent weeks, with concerns that Labubu demand may be cooling.
Key risks:
- Market saturation: As Pop Mart expands globally, increased availability could dilute exclusivity
- Price volatility: Rare hidden editions that sold for 10,000 yuan now cratered to 834 yuan on Dewu
- Speculative bubble: 47% of new releases may not hold long-term value
Why 2026 is Still a Strong Year
Despite warnings, fundamentals remain solid:
- Pop Mart's diversified revenue: 40% of sales now from overseas markets
- Sustained demand: Woolworths partnership proves mainstream retail adoption
- Limited edition strategy: New releases like January 2026's birthday month badge are strictly limited
- Cultural integration: Labubu is becoming a "cultural force as much as a consumer brand"
How to Spot Fake Labubu in Australia & NZ
The counterfeit market is flooding both countries with convincing fakes. Before investing, know these authentication basics:
Red flags:
- Packaging quality: Fakes have blurry printing, incorrect fonts, or flimsy boxes
- Figure quality: Authentic Labubu has specific vinyl weight and paint application
- Price: "Too good to be true" deals (under $10 AUD) are almost certainly fake
- Seller location: Be wary of sellers shipping from China with no local presence
Safe buying practices:
- Buy from authorized retailers: Pop Mart stores, Woolworths Everyday Market, The Game Tree NZ
- Check Trade Me seller reviews: NZ's marketplace shows seller history
- Use PayPal Goods & Services: Protects against fakes on private sales
- Verify via Pop Mart app: Some figures have authentication features
Where to Buy Authentic Labubu in Australasia
Australia
- Pop Mart stores: 11 locations across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
- Robo Shops: 19 automated vending machines in high-traffic areas
- Woolworths: Everyday Market online
- Waves AU: Online specialist with free shipping offers
- Big Boi Sneakers: Curated selection of authenticated Labubu (link to your collection)
New Zealand
- The Game Tree NZ: Auckland-based with online store
- Trade Me: Largest marketplace but verify sellers
- Blindbox.co.nz: Specialist guide and retailer
- Pop Mart NZ: Official store with NZ$ pricing
- Big Boi Sneakers: Authenticated Labubu shipped across NZ
The 2026 Investment Strategy: Play It Smart
For beginners:
- Start with standard blind boxes ($15-30 AUD/NZD) to learn the market
- Focus on complete sets rather than individual chases
- Join Facebook groups and Reddit communities for trading opportunities
For serious investors:
- Target limited editions and collaborations (Disney, Angel Chen)
- Hold sealed boxes for 12+ months to maximize appreciation
- Diversify across multiple series to hedge against market shifts
- Consider grading high-value figures through services like CGC Toys (30-50% value increase)
What to avoid:
- Overpaying during hype: Wait for prices to normalize after initial release
- Bulk buying without research: Not all series perform equally
- Ignoring condition: Damaged boxes reduce value by 50% or more
Bottom Line: Labubu is a Viable but Risky Investment
Labubu has proven it can deliver 741% returns and outpace traditional investments. However, the market is maturing, and 2026 will separate serious collectors from speculative flippers.
Key takeaways:
- Authentication is critical – only buy from trusted Australasian sources
- Focus on scarcity – limited editions and collaborations hold value best
- Think long-term – 12+ month holds weather short-term volatility
- Diversify – don't put all your capital into one series
The "kidult economy" is real and growing, but success requires strategy over hype. Labubu isn't a guaranteed goldmine, but for informed collectors in Australia and New Zealand, it remains one of the most promising alternative investments of 2026.
Ready to start your Labubu collection? Browse our authenticated selection at Big Boi Sneakers – every blind box is sourced from authorized Pop Mart distributors across Australasia, ensuring your investment starts on solid ground.
