If you’re a parent of kids aged 5–15, chances are you’ve heard of Labubu. That mischievous, wide-eyed, collectible plush toy has taken the world by storm, and not just among children. Beyond its quirky charm, Labubu offers some surprisingly powerful lessons for service-based businesses in 2025.
The Labubu Story: From Niche Character to Global Sensation
Labubu was created in 2015 by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung as part of a story series called The Monsters, inspired by Nordic folklore. While these creatures existed for years, their popularity only exploded recently.
The turning point? In 2019, Chinese toy retailer Pop Mart began producing Labubu figurines in blind box format. Fast forward to 2025: there are over 300 Labubu figurines, ranging from $15 vinyl toys to plush editions worth hundreds, and even a mint green Labubu that sold for $170,000 at auction.
What fueled this surge? Celebrity influence and social media. K-pop star Lisa from Blackpink was spotted with a Labubu keychain, sparking a viral frenzy that pushed Pop Mart’s plush sales up by 1200% in 2024 alone. Labubu now accounts for roughly 22–23% of Pop Mart’s revenue; a phenomenal success story.
Lessons for Service-Based Businesses
Labubu’s success isn’t just about cute toys. Its strategies can be translated into actionable ideas for service-based businesses.
1. Build Emotional Connections
Labubu’s quirky and relatable design creates a strong emotional bond. Service-based businesses can emulate this by creating a mascot, persona, or branded voice that embodies the brand’s values. Think playful onboarding characters, branded podcast voices, or even a company mascot like the Geico Gecko or Aflac Duck. Emotional branding fosters loyalty beyond transactions.
2. Gamify the Experience
The blind box format is addictive because it introduces surprise and repeatable engagement. Businesses can adapt this by offering mystery products, tiered discounts, or surprise services. For instance:
- A creative agency launched a mystery mentorship where clients didn’t know their mentor until the reveal, resulting in a 40% increase in referrals.
- A fitness studio offered limited secret sessions with surprise wellness activities, boosting bookings by 30%.
- A digital marketing consultant offered a rarity business audit with hidden insights, selling out instantly.
Gamification encourages repeated interaction, loyalty, and excitement.
3. Leverage Scarcity and Exclusivity
Labubu thrives on limited editions and secret releases. Service businesses can create urgency by offering exclusive sessions, special content, or limited-time experiences for early adopters, while keeping standard services accessible for everyone.
4. Foster Community Momentum
Labubu collectors share unboxing videos, forum discussions, and social media posts, creating viral buzz. Service businesses can encourage clients to share testimonials, before-and-after stories, or event experiences with branded hashtags to amplify reach. Community engagement naturally promotes brand growth.
5. Harness Influencer and Celebrity Impact
One celebrity endorsement propelled Labubu into global pop culture. Service businesses can partner with influencers, niche bloggers, or virtual event hosts to boost organic visibility. However, it’s crucial to vet influencers carefully—large followings don’t always equal genuine engagement. Look for authenticity and real connections, not just inflated metrics.
6. Tap into Cultural and Emotional Resonance
Labubu has even appeared as a cultural symbol at events, representing joy and connection. Similarly, service brands can tap into emotional or cultural identity moments, transforming services into experiences that resonate on a deeper level.
Takeaways for Your Business
Labubu’s journey offers three key lessons:
- Build Emotional Connections – Go beyond transactions; make your brand lovable.
- Introduce Surprise and Exclusivity – Gamify your offerings to encourage repeat engagement.
- Spark Community – Let your clients market for you through shared experiences and social engagement.
Consider launching a surprise, exclusive, or gamified offering this quarter. Experiment, share your results, and watch engagement soar.
Labubu may be a tiny, plush collectible, but its business lessons are enormous. If this inspired you, share it with fellow entrepreneurs, and tag us on social media if you incorporate these strategies into your own business.
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