Tag: consumerism

Backpacks, Auctions, and Blind Boxes: The Labubu Phenomenon Explained

Posted on by scott.hodges

Since 2024, a quirky collectible craze has taken off in China. Pop Mart’s Labubu toys, part of its playful “The Monsters” line, helped launch a new wave of consumer enthusiasm for blind-box items. These mysterious packages hide the specific design inside, turning purchases into a surprise. Collectors chase rare versions, fueling a steady stream of repeat buying and driving Pop Mart’s growth.

This strategy has been paying off in a big way. Labubu became a fashion icon. A four-foot doll once fetched over $170,000 at auction in Beijing, highlighting the strong demand behind the trend. The line generated nearly $670 million in revenue during the first half of 2025—about 35 percent of Pop Mart’s total sales.

The blend of cuteness, celebrity exposure, and scarcity has created a powerful appeal. Labubu figures feature a mischievous grin and whimsical, furry look that bridges the gap between toy and fashion accessory. Collectors form tight-knit communities online and in real life. Raves, tattoo designs, and workshops centered on Labubu added new cultural dimensions.

The momentum is also visible in seasonal trends. For back-to-school shoppers, a Labubu backpack collectible quickly became a sought-after item, reinforcing the brand’s ability to connect with different age groups and occasions.

Pop Mart now serves fans across the globe with hundreds of stores and vending “roboshops.” The blind-box model continues to demonstrate how novelty and scarcity can shape consumer behavior, turning a small toy into a global case study in retail innovation.

Consumer Views on US Economy

Posted on by scott.hodges

America’s economy is currently not in as poor state as some of the commentators are suggesting. When one looks at numbers of hiring, wage increase, and consumer spending the situation is far from bleak. In fact hourly wages increased.

According to the government’s job report at the beginning of this month, employers in America are actually adding jobs.  True, it’s at a lower pace (hiring at 130,000 jobs in August), but it is still happening.   Unemployment figures remained stagnant (as for the last 3 months) at 3.7 percent.   This is almost the lowest number for unemployment in 50 years.  Plus, the longer the good unemployment rate continues, the better for employees as bosses may have to adjust how they work to ensure longer-term growth.  In other words, they will have to provide better packages for workers and invest in training, equipment etc.

Average hourly wages increased by 11 cents last month which marked a 3.2 percent escalation from 2018 figures. Indeed, according to PNC chief economist Gus Faucher:

“With slower, but still-solid job gains and good wage growth, households will continue to spend. The U.S. economy should avoid recession.”

US consumerism is looking good also.  The highest jump in consumer spending in five years was witnessed in the 2019 April-June quarter.  July looked good as well.