Kerrie Joyce 
Every summer, a new trend sends consumers into a frenzy, often turning ordinary items into fashion statements or entire identity archetypes. 2019 saw the VSCO girls, with sticker-ridden Hydro Flasks and scrunchies up to our elbows. Last summer, Stanley cups housed decorative straw covers met with less-than-hydrated party girls rocking lime green and last night’s eyeliner to the tune of Charli XCX’s BRAT. It seems that 2025’s summer trend has been declared — and it comes in the form of a miniature, plush doll. What once was a secret amongst the chronically online has started to infiltrate markets and adorn the purses or backpack straps of pedestrians and passersby. If you’re still confused: Labubu summer has arrived. Read on to learn about “Labubu,” the toy-turned-accessory that has taken over the internet, and where this phenomenon can be found in New Jersey.
The Labubu Lore
First things first, for those unsure: What is a Labubu? Labubus are elf-like plush dolls and keychains known for their signature razor-sharp grins, produced by toy company Pop Mart and based on a picture book series titled The Monsters, created by artist Kasing Lung.
The creatures in the trilogy are inspired by Nordic mythology. Despite their conniving appearance, Lung told NBC that they are “well-natured little creatures who have nothing but good intentions, that sometimes inevitably end up in a pickle.”
Read More: This Artist Creates Wearable Art With Nods to Hoboken + NYC
The toys started flying off the shelves after being popularized by K-Pop group Blackpink’s Lisa, who has sported them in paparazzi photos and gushed about them in interviews for Vanity Fair and Teen Vogue. One of the most exciting things about the hunt for the highly-coveted, mostly sold-out Labubu is the fact that they are sold via blind box — meaning that your doll’s pose, facial expression, or color will be a surprise.
If you are signing onto the craze, or in the market for an on-trend gift to impress the likes of both Gen Alpha and Gen Z, The Hoboken Girl team has compiled a list of spots that sell the elves in the Garden State.
But buyer beware — some shoppers have claimed to be duped into buying unlicensed knock-off dolls, which are known to fans as “Lafufus.”
Where You Can Find Labubus
Soled Out | 366 Central Avenue, Jersey City
Footwear and accessories store Soled Out prides itself on its collection of “rare sneakers to luxury streetwear,” including items like Air Jordans and Balenciaga Speed Trainers. According to their website, they currently have four different collections of the Labubu Dolls in stock, ranging in price from $82-$104.
Gatcha | 5 Parsonage Road #1200A, Edison (inside Menlo Park Mall)
Inside Menlo Park Mall, Gatcha is a popular arcade + shop combo featuring the old-fashioned claw-machine games that are so rare today. At its flagship NYC location, there is a cocktail bar for the older gamers and rare toy connoisseurs. While the Edison location is booze-free, it does have plenty of Labubus in stock.
JC + S 2 | 81 Market Street, Passaic
JC and S, a variety store located in Passaic, carries the Labubu figurines and similar products, including the Sonny Angel. The store also sells Labubu hair accessories and pencils for superfans.
The Labubu Edit | 806 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills
The Labubu Edit is a craft store in Millburn, NJ dedicated entirely to the notorious doll. The self-proclaimed “Ultimate destination for Labubu Collectors” carries clothing and accessories designed for each variation of the doll.
poplulu | 518 Old Post Road Suite 16, Edison
Located at 518 Old Post Road in Edison, NJ, Poplulu describes itself as an Asian lifestyle store, carrying K-Beauty, skincare, and makeup products in addition to blindbox toys such as Labubu and similar novelty figurines like Sonny Angel and Smiski. In addition to the sought-after dolls, the store stocks accompanying accessories, including a Labubu car seat.
Pop Mart | 1 American Dream Way D230, East Rutherford
The brand manufacturing the dolls, Pop Mart, has brick-and-mortar locations, including one inside East Rutherford’s American Dream Mall. While the website is mostly out of stock at the moment, the brand restocks weekly, on Thursdays at 9PM online and Fridays at 10AM in-store. On Pop Mart’s site, the toys range in price from $20 to $300. Pop Mart also has vending machines in other locations, including one in Cherry Hill Mall.
See More: A Guide to Thrift Stores + Antique Shops in Montclair
Sneaker Arcade | 28 Lakeside Avenue, Pompton Lakes
Sneaker Arcade is a memorabilia store mostly dedicated to popular collectible sneakers, including Nikes and Jordans. The store also carries collectibles, including autographed memorabilia, Supreme streetwear, and, of course, our beloved Labubu. Sneaker Arcade’s Labubu products vary from a refrigerator magnet blindbox collection, listed at $31.99, to a blindbox Coca-Cola series vinyl doll, which you can purchase for $85.
Zonk POP Culture World | 171 Main Street, Little Ferry
Zonk POP Culture World is a Bergen County toy store that sells video games, game consoles, Pokémon cards, various retro games, and, of course, Labubus. The store restocks periodically and announces when the Labubus go are up for grabs. Visit Zonk’s Instagram to stay in the know.
