
Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent surge in popularity of the Labubu toy, highlighting its rental market on platforms like Xianyu and the broader implications for the collectible toy industry, particularly for Pop Mart. Group 1: Labubu's Popularity and Market Trends - Labubu-related product searches on Xianyu increased tenfold from May to June, with rental transaction volumes doubling in the same period [2] - The rental prices for Labubu figures range from 30 yuan for "Labubu time to chill" to 50-80 yuan for ZIMOMO figures, indicating a growing market for rental services [1] - The popularity of Labubu has also spurred related services such as custom clothing and repairs, showcasing a trend towards a more extensive ecosystem around the IP [2] Group 2: Pop Mart's Business Dynamics - Pop Mart's founder, Wang Ning, has become the richest person in Henan with a net worth of $20.3 billion, reflecting the company's significant growth from a small shop to a market capitalization exceeding 300 billion HKD [4] - The collectible toy market, particularly for Labubu, has seen extreme price fluctuations, with some items being resold at prices up to 46 times their original value, indicating a volatile market [4] - There is uncertainty regarding the longevity of Labubu's popularity, as the collectible toy industry often experiences trends that can be unpredictable and fleeting [5][6] Group 3: Industry Challenges and Future Outlook - The collectible toy market faces challenges as the lifespan of popular IPs can be limited, leading to concerns about the sustainability of Pop Mart's business model [6] - Investors express skepticism about the long-term viability of Pop Mart's reliance on IPs, questioning what will happen if consumer interest wanes [7] - The blind box model, while initially seen as a key driver of sales, is now viewed as secondary to the appeal of the IPs themselves, raising questions about future competitiveness [7]