Core Viewpoint - The popularity of Labubu, a product from Pop Mart, has surged internationally, particularly through the AliExpress platform, leading to increased engagement and sales among foreign consumers [7][28][41]. Group 1: Labubu's Popularity - Labubu has gained significant traction, with over 200,000 people participating in a live-stream event on AliExpress, showcasing its immense popularity [3][22]. - The demand for Labubu has led to scenes reminiscent of the iPhone launch, with consumers waiting for hours to purchase new releases [8][10]. - Foreign consumers have actively sought out Labubu online, leading to a spike in searches for the product on AliExpress, surpassing common items like t-shirts and shorts [27][39]. Group 2: AliExpress as a Platform - AliExpress has been a crucial channel for Pop Mart, having established an official flagship store as early as 2020, which has now become a primary source for international consumers [11][29]. - The platform's diverse supply ecosystem allows consumers to not only purchase Labubu but also various accessories and customizations, enhancing the overall shopping experience [31][33]. - The surge in Labubu's popularity has significantly increased the search volume for the product on AliExpress, indicating a strong consumer interest and engagement [27][28]. Group 3: Cultural Impact - Labubu serves as a cultural ambassador, helping to promote Chinese culture and products abroad, similar to other successful Chinese IPs [41][42]. - The phenomenon of Labubu reflects a broader trend of Chinese products gaining traction in international markets, showcasing the potential for cultural products to resonate globally [41][46]. - The success of Labubu has also positively impacted related markets, including merchandise and accessories, further driving the narrative of Chinese cultural export [42][43].

Core Insights - Labubu, a Chinese original IP character, is gaining global popularity, transitioning from blind box shelves to the world stage, reflecting a shift in cultural aesthetics, consumer psychology, and lifestyle [1][2][3] - The success of Labubu is attributed to its appeal to the "Z generation" with its "cute-ugly" aesthetic and the effective operational model of Pop Mart, which creates a sense of scarcity through limited releases and blind box mechanisms [1][2] - Labubu's overseas sales are projected to grow over 60% in 2024, establishing it as one of the most globally influential images of the brand [1] Group 1: Cultural Impact - Labubu represents a new symbol of dialogue between Chinese trend culture and the world, evolving from a niche hobby to a representation of a "lightweight lifestyle" emphasizing individual expression and emotional consumption [3][4] - The character's local adaptations, such as a version dressed in Thai silk and collaborations with local artists in Paris, showcase a culturally sensitive approach to global expansion [2][3] Group 2: Consumer Engagement - Labubu fulfills users' needs for self-expression and emotional comfort, becoming a part of their daily lives and social interactions, as evidenced by the frequent mentions on social platforms [3][4] - The integration of Labubu into various lifestyle products, including apparel and cultural items, illustrates a comprehensive ecosystem that extends from "play" to "wear" and "use," indicating a future direction for consumer culture [3]