The global fascination with Labubu, the mischievous elf-like creature created by artist Kasing Lung, has reached fever pitch. From fashion runways to the handbags of K-pop idols, these fluffy characters are everywhere. For collectors in the United States, the hunt often leads to online marketplaces, but one region has become a legendary hunting ground for enthusiasts: Singapore. Known for its vibrant collector culture and official Pop Mart presence, Singapore offers a unique landscape for finding these elusive toys. This guide will navigate you through the world of la bu bu singapore, offering essential tips and tricks for your collection journey.
Introduction to La Bu Bu
What is La Bu Bu?
For the uninitiated, Labubu is a fictional character born from a series of short stories called The Monsters, created by Hong Kong-based illustrator Kasing Lung. These stories were inspired by Nordic folktales, featuring a cast of elves and fairies. In 2019, Lung signed a contract with the art toy giant Pop Mart, which began producing merchandise based on his characters, including the now-ubiquitous plush toys, blind box figurines, and bags . The most popular items today are the plush pendants from series like The Monsters Tasty Macarons Series and The Monsters Have A Seat Series, often used as keychains to accessorize outfits and bags .
The appeal of La Bu Bu in Singapore
The explosion of Labubu's popularity can be traced to a single moment in April 2024, when Blackpink's Lisa posted an Instagram story featuring a Labubu plushie. This sparked a global craze, and Singapore, as a major hub for Pop Mart in Asia, became a focal point. The demand is so intense that stock is mostly sold out at official outlets, leading to long queues at claw machines and a bustling secondary market . This unique ecosystem—combining official stores, specialty shops, and a vibrant reseller community—makes Singapore a fascinating case study and a prime location for serious collectors.
Types of La Bu Bu
Mermaid Labubu: A Unique Variant
One of the most sought-after variants in the region is the Mermaid Labubu, often affectionately called "Merbubu." This exclusive figure is part of the "Hide and Seek in Singapore" series, a special edition tied directly to the city-state. According to TheSmartLocal's guide, this exclusive piece can be found on platforms like Lazada, typically priced around $37.90 SGD . The Merbubu features a enchanting mermaid design, complete with a shimmering tail and seashell accessories, capturing the imagination of collectors who seek unique, location-based editions.
Other Popular Versions in Singapore
Beyond the exclusive Merbubu, Singaporean collectors actively chase the same core series that are popular worldwide. The most common ones found in local stores include:
The Tasty Macaron Series (often referred to as V1), the landmark series that started the plush pendant trend with its soft, dessert-inspired pastels like Lychee Berry and Soymilk.
The Have A Seat Series (V2), featuring Labubus in calm, seated poses, each with its own unique personality (like SISI, DADA, and QUQU).
The Big Into Energy Series (V3), released in Spring 2025, which uses vibrant gradients to represent themes like "Love" and "Hope," and cemented Labubu's global icon status .
These series are the foundation of most collections and are consistently in high demand across both physical and online stores in Singapore.
Where to Find La Bu Bu in Singapore
Navigating the Singaporean market requires knowing where to look. The options range from official channels to community-driven marketplaces. Based on TheSmartLocal's comprehensive list, here is a breakdown of the best places to start your search.
Physical Stores
For collectors who prefer to see and verify their purchase in person, Singapore offers several reliable physical locations away from the uncertainty of claw machines.
1. Official Retailers
Pop Mart Singapore is the original and most trustworthy source. With 7 official outlets and 3 permanent pop-up stores, including a frequently restocked location at ION Orchard, this is the best place to find new series at retail prices. The popular Vinyl Plush Doll series typically cost around $24.90 SGD per box. They also have blind box vending machines at locations like Suntec City and Funan for those wanting to try their luck .
2. Specialty Gift Shops
Several specialty stores have become authorized hubs for Labubu sales.
The SGFR Store, known for carrying viral products, stocks authentic V1 (Tasty Macaron), V2 (Have A Seat), and V3 (Big Into Energy) boxes at their multiple outlets, with the Holland Village location being a reliable spot. Prices range from $50 to $60 SGD.
Co-Play Singapore at Plaza Singapura is an innovative art gallery that hosts markets where vendors sell pre-loved and new figurines. This is an excellent place to find unboxed Labubus, allowing you to choose your exact color and avoid duplicates. Prices vary by rarity, from $25 SGD for common ones to $450-$800 SGD for secret figures.
Spintaku, operating out of lockers in Toy Outpost at Plaza Singapura and HAKO @ JEM, offers a rotating selection of blind boxes, including unboxed options to help collectors complete their sets.
The Candy Store at Tanglin Mall carries the main series, though prices can be slightly higher than retail, with the Big Into Energy Series listed at $75 SGD.
Snkrdunk, a Japanese streetwear store with a flagship in Mandarin Gallery, offers a curated online selection where every Labubu goes through a staff authentication process and is tagged before shipping, providing peace of mind for a premium .
Online Platforms
For convenience and access to a wider variety, Singapore's online marketplaces are bustling with activity.
1. E-commerce Sites
Lazada and Shopee are the两大 major platforms. The Pop Mart Official Store operates on both, but there are also highly-rated third-party suppliers like C.O.H.L on Lazada and sganyhowsell on Shopee. These platforms are the best places to hunt for exclusive items like the Merbubu Hide And Seek plush doll. Always check seller reviews and look for comments confirming QR code authenticity .
2. Social Media Marketplaces
TikTok has evolved into a significant e-commerce platform in Singapore. Official accounts like Pop Mart Singapore and resellers like Hidden Gem Market host livestreams with time-limited discounts, offering everything from common blind boxes to limited editions like the Merbubu.
Carousell is the go-to platform for buying, selling, and trading Labubus. With prices ranging from $15 to over $500 SGD, it's the primary secondary market. It's crucial to read buyer reviews carefully to ensure authenticity and quality before purchasing .
Tips for Collecting La Bu Bu
Authenticity Checks
With high demand comes the risk of counterfeits. Knowing how to authenticate a Labubu is essential.
First, examine the physical details. An authentic Labubu has lighter face tones with beige-colored blush and exactly 9 teeth. Its left foot will feature the Pop Mart logo, and the tag will indicate the specific series .
For blind boxes, check the back for a QR code and a 4-digit number. Scanning the code leads to an authentication site where entering the number confirms its validity.
Always read online reviews, looking for keywords like "quality" and comments confirming the QR code scan was successful, as mentioned by buyers on Lazada and Shopee .
Best Time to Buy
Timing can significantly impact your success in finding la bu bu singapore.
For official retail prices, follow Pop Mart Singapore on social media for restock announcements. Newer outlets like the one at ION Orchard are often prioritized for fresh stock.
For physical specialty stores, visiting on weekday afternoons might avoid the weekend crowds.
For online platforms, participating in TikTok livestreams can yield exclusive deals. On Carousell, prices may fluctuate based on market demand; patience can sometimes lead to finding a collector willing to trade rather than sell at a premium.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on Your La Bu Bu Journey
The quest for Labubu in Singapore is an adventure in itself, reflecting the global passion for these charming monsters. From the exclusive Mermaid Labubu of the Hide and Seek series to the foundational Tasty Macaron and Have A Seat collections, Singapore offers a diverse and dynamic market for collectors. Whether you choose to visit the official Pop Mart outlets, explore the curated selection at The SGFR Store, or hunt for deals on Carousell and Lazada, the key is to stay informed and vigilant about authenticity. The thrill of the hunt is part of the joy, and with the right knowledge, you can successfully navigate the world of la bu bu singapore and add these captivating characters to your collection.
