Labubu x Vans: The Next Five-Figure Collectible? Why Toy Investors Are Watching

The collectible toy market is buzzing as Labubu, the quirky plush character by Pop Mart, continues to break records—now with its latest limited-edition collaboration: the Labubu x Vans Old Skool Vinyl Plush Doll. This exclusive figure recently hit eBay with bids soaring to $8,924, and experts predict it could surpass $10,000 before the auction closes. Labubu, first designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015, has become a global phenomenon, with Pop Mart leveraging the “blind box” concept and celebrity endorsements to drive demand.

Recent auction results highlight the investment potential: the “Three Wise Labubu” sold for $28,300 at Sotheby’s in May 2025, while a life-size Labubu fetched over $150,000 at a Chinese auction house. Pop Mart’s financials reflect this craze, with a 350% profit jump and revenues doubling to $1.8 billion in 2024. The company’s market value now stands at $43 billion, and founder Wang Ning is among China’s top billionaires.

Industry experts, including Dr. Lori Verderame, see Labubu as a sustainable collector’s trend, drawing comparisons to Beanie Babies and Cabbage Patch Kids. However, the market’s volatility is evident: Pop Mart recently pulled Labubu from UK shelves after crowd incidents, and Chinese customs seized hundreds of figures. While the hype is real, so are the risks—speculation and regulatory challenges loom.

For retailers and investors, Labubu exemplifies the new era of toy collectibles: limited editions, pop culture crossovers, and viral social media buzz create both lucrative opportunities and potential pitfalls.

Source:Forbes