The Labubu collectible trend has moved far beyond a niche hobby and has grown into a mainstream cultural wave. What started as a small designer toy series by the artist Kasing Lung under POP MART has now become Labubu one of the most sought-after collectible categories across Canada. The Canadian market has embraced Labubu in a way that blends local consumer interests with global collector behavior, creating a dynamic and fast-expanding ecosystem. This overview breaks down how the market has evolved, what is shaping new demand, and why Labubu continues to gain momentum across the country.
The Evolution of the Labubu Craze in Canada
Canadian collectors have traditionally shown strong interest in art toys, limited-edition figures, and cross-cultural pop collectibles. Labubu fits squarely into that tradition. Its early arrival in Canada was subtle, mostly through online resellers and a small community of dedicated collectors who followed Asian designer toy trends. As POP MART expanded its physical presence in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Montreal, demand accelerated. A wider audience finally saw the product in person, and the appeal became immediate.
Labubu’s rise in Canada is due in part to its unique blend of mischief and charm. The character’s design stands out among modern collectibles because it is expressive, whimsical and slightly dark. These qualities match well with the creative subcultures that thrive in Canada, especially among younger adults who value artistic individuality and collectible items with personality. As a result, Labubu has shifted from a simple designer toy into a symbol of artistic taste and contemporary pop culture.
The Role of POP MART’s Canadian Expansion
POP MART’s strategic store openings have played a central role in Labubu’s domestic growth. Physical stores give collectors a chance to engage with blind-box culture firsthand, a retail strategy that has proven highly effective in Canada. The excitement of chance, combined with the possibility of obtaining a rare figure, has sparked long lines and early morning store visits whenever new Labubu series are released.
The company’s steady expansion is also boosting demand through greater accessibility. Before POP MART’s arrival, Canadian buyers relied heavily on international shipping, which added significant costs and made collecting harder. Local stores have eliminated many of those barriers. This shift has encouraged casual shoppers to enter the hobby, which is expanding the audience far beyond the established collector community.
Social Media’s Power in Shaping Canadian Demand
Social platforms have amplified Labubu’s popularity with remarkable speed. TikTok videos showcasing unboxings, rare finds, and collection displays have helped bring Labubu into mainstream conversation. Canadian influencers who share content around fashion, interior decor and lifestyle trends have also embraced Labubu because its playful design pairs well with aesthetic-focused social media culture.
This digital visibility has created an emotional connection between the product and its audience. Viewers feel the excitement of unboxing, the suspense of rare discoveries and the sense of community among collectors. New collectors in Canada often mention that they were first introduced to Labubu through short videos rather than traditional advertising. Social media has become the unofficial marketing engine for the brand, fueling organic demand and shaping collector behavior across the country.
A Growing Resale Market Driven by Scarcity
As demand increases, the secondary market in Canada has grown into a substantial part of the Labubu ecosystem. Rare figures regularly sell for significantly higher prices than retail, and some collectors treat Labubu as an alternative asset similar to sneakers or trading cards. Scarcity plays a major role in this trend. Limited production, unpredictable blind-box results and region-exclusive releases keep the market competitive.
Canadian resellers have become more organized, using platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram and dedicated collectible communities to buy, trade and sell figures. This activity has created its own economic cycle. High resale value signals desirability, desirability increases demand and demand reinforces the cultural relevance of Labubu. As the market matures, the resale economy is likely to remain a major force behind the brand’s continued success.
Shifts in Canadian Consumer Behavior Toward Collectibles
Canadian buyers are showing a shift toward valuing limited-edition products and artistic ownership. Labubu fits this shift neatly. Collectible culture is no longer limited to niche hobbyists. It includes mainstream fans who see value in owning small pieces of contemporary pop art. This trend reflects a larger cultural movement in Canada where personal expression and curated living spaces have become more important. Labubu figures often appear as decorative accents in homes, studios and offices, signaling identity and artistic interest.
Younger consumers, in particular, treat Labubu as a form of self-expression. They are drawn to the character’s individuality, its emotional range and its artistic storytelling. This emotional component is a powerful force behind repeat purchases. Even when buyers do not obtain the exact figure they want, they stay engaged because each release offers a new chance to find something unique.
New Trends Emerging in 2025
Several new trends are shaping Canada’s Labubu landscape. One major trend is the rise of themed collections that align with fashion seasons, holidays or artistic collaborations. These releases generate anticipation and encourage collectors to follow the brand’s calendar closely. Another trend is the growing presence of Labubu in lifestyle spaces such as cafes, pop-up markets and art exhibitions. These collaborations blur the line between collectible toys and contemporary lifestyle products.
Custom Labubu art has also become a rising trend in Canada. Independent artists are customizing figures to create one-of-a-kind pieces. This artistic crossover has strengthened Labubu’s identity as a form of creative expression rather than a mere consumer product. It has also fostered deeper engagement among collectors who appreciate craftsmanship and artistic individuality.
The Future Outlook for Labubu in Canada
Given the pace of current demand, Labubu’s future in Canada looks strong. The brand has successfully positioned itself in a cultural space that blends art, fashion, nostalgia and social media influence. As long as POP MART continues releasing new series, collaborating with artists and supporting local store expansion, interest is likely to stay high.
There is also room for the market to diversify. Local collector events, fan-driven conventions and artist partnerships are expected to expand the ecosystem further. The more the community grows, the more sustainable the demand becomes. Labubu’s appeal is tied to emotional value, artistic creativity and the thrill of discovery. Those factors remain steady forces that keep collectors engaged long term.
Conclusion
Labubu has grown into a cultural and economic presence in Canada with remarkable speed. Its rise is driven by artistic storytelling, LABUBU Box scarcity, community engagement and the powerful influence of social media. As trends develop and the collector base expands, Labubu is shaping a new era of designer toy culture across the country. The market is evolving quickly, and the excitement surrounding each new release shows no sign of slowing down. Canada has embraced Labubu not as a passing trend but as a growing piece of contemporary pop art
