For collectors of designer toys, few things spark as much excitement and dedication as the chase for rare and unique Pop Mart figures. Among all the charming characters from the Pop Mart universe, none have captured the hearts of fans quite like Labubu — the mischievous, whimsical creature born from the imagination of artist Kasing Lung. With its wide grin, expressive eyes, and quirky personality, Labubu has become a cultural phenomenon that transcends borders. Across Canada, from Vancouver to Toronto to Montreal, a growing community of collectors is joining the hunt, forming an underground network of enthusiasts bound labubu Store by their shared love for this elusive character.
The Rise of Pop Mart and the Magic of Labubu
Pop Mart, a Chinese collectible toy brand founded in 2010, has revolutionized the world of designer toys through its blind-box concept. Each small box hides a mystery figure, creating both suspense and thrill for collectors who never quite know which character they’ll get. While Pop Mart collaborates with many renowned artists and brands — from Pucky to Molly to Skullpanda — Labubu stands out as one of the most beloved creations.
Labubu’s origins trace back to the whimsical imagination of Kasing Lung, a Belgian-Chinese artist whose storytelling blends eerie fantasy with childlike wonder. The character embodies a mischievous forest creature, simultaneously adorable and a little bit creepy, perfectly balancing cute and strange. This unique aesthetic has helped Labubu evolve from an art toy into a pop culture icon, sparking sold-out releases, long queues at Pop Mart stores, and frenzied trading among collectors.
The Canadian Pop Mart Craze
Pop Mart’s expansion into Canada has been nothing short of impressive. Over the past few years, physical Pop Mart locations and partner stores have popped up in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, introducing Canadian audiences to the joy of blind-box collecting. In malls such as Toronto Eaton Centre and Vancouver’s Metropolis at Metrotown, you’ll often find dedicated Pop Mart sections buzzing with excitement as collectors unbox their latest finds right at the counter.
What’s particularly fascinating about the Canadian collector community is how quickly it has adapted the global culture of toy hunting. Social media groups, Discord servers, and Reddit threads dedicated to Pop Mart Canada are thriving with activity. Collectors share restock updates, trade lists, and photos of their prized Labubu shelves. For many, it’s not just a hobby but a lifestyle — a blend of art appreciation, nostalgia, and the thrill of discovery.
The Thrill of the Hunt
Finding a Labubu figure in Canada can feel like a treasure hunt. Some releases, like Labubu The Monsters or Labubu Holiday Series, sell out within hours. Dedicated fans often line up early in the morning when new collections drop, hoping to score a blind box before they vanish from shelves. The mystery of the blind-box experience adds an addictive element — will it be a common figure, a rare secret edition, or that one elusive design that completes the collection?
For those who don’t strike gold in-store, the hunt continues online. Collectors scour websites like Pop Mart’s official Canadian store, Tmall, and even reselling platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Trading is a key part of the experience, with fans meeting up in local cafés or toy conventions to swap duplicates and celebrate new additions. Events like Fan Expo Canada have even seen Pop Mart fans setting up unofficial meet-ups, turning a simple hobby into a vibrant community gathering.
Building the Labubu Community
One of the most heartwarming aspects of collecting Labubu figures in Canada is the sense of community it fosters. Enthusiasts aren’t just chasing toys; they’re connecting with people who share the same passion. Online groups such as “Pop Mart Collectors Canada” on Facebook have become safe havens for collectors to chat, trade, and even showcase creative displays of their collections.
Collectors often discuss their personal connections to Labubu. For some, the character’s whimsical smile brings comfort and joy; for others, its mysterious aura reflects their love for the unusual and the artistic. Canadian collectors have even begun organizing small pop-up events in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where fans showcase their Labubu displays, trade figures, and sometimes even collaborate on fan art inspired by Kasing Lung’s creations.
The Role of Art and Storytelling
Beyond being collectible toys, Labubu figures represent a bridge between art and storytelling. Kasing Lung’s original narrative universe is rich with emotion and surreal imagery. Each Labubu design tells a story — whether it’s dressed as a forest spirit, a spooky monster, or a holiday elf. Canadian collectors, many of whom have backgrounds in design, illustration, or art curation, deeply appreciate this artistic aspect.
In Toronto, some toy stores like Mindzai and Capsule Toys have even hosted mini exhibitions showcasing Labubu and other Pop Mart designs, highlighting the artistry behind these small vinyl figures. The connection between contemporary art and collectible culture continues to strengthen, and Labubu stands at the center of this movement, inviting fans to see toys as more than mere playthings but as pieces of visual storytelling.
Challenges in Collecting Across Canada
Despite the growing popularity, collecting Labubu figures in Canada isn’t without its challenges. Limited availability is a major issue, with many popular series either selling out instantly or never making it to Canadian shelves. Shipping costs and import fees can also discourage collectors from ordering directly from Asia.
Still, the Canadian Pop Mart community finds ways to overcome these hurdles. Many rely on group orders to split shipping costs or connect with international collectors willing to trade across borders. Local shops, noticing the demand, have started partnering with Pop Mart distributors to ensure more consistent restocks. The resilience and creativity of the community ensure that, even across a vast country like Canada, the spirit of collecting stays alive.
Looking Ahead – The Future of Pop Mart in Canada
As Pop Mart continues to expand globally, the future looks bright for Canadian collectors. The brand’s growing retail presence and its ongoing collaborations with artists like Kasing Lung hint at exciting times ahead. More Pop Mart vending machines are appearing in Canadian malls, offering fans a convenient way to grab a blind box on the go. Meanwhile, online platforms are improving their stock levels, making it easier to access new releases without relying on overseas orders.
There’s also hope that Pop Mart might one day host official events or exhibitions in Canada, similar to the ones in China and Southeast Asia. Such gatherings would not only celebrate the artistry behind Labubu but also bring together the vibrant community that has grown organically across provinces.
Conclusion – A Shared Passion Across the North
Hunting Labubu figures across Canada is about more than LABUBU Box collecting toys — it’s about chasing joy, art, and connection. From the thrill of opening a blind box to the excitement of trading with a new friend, each step of the journey holds its own reward. Labubu, with its playful grin and mysterious charm, has become a symbol of creativity and community for Canadian collectors who see beauty in the unexpected.
Whether you’re in Vancouver searching for that last figure to complete your series or in Montreal meeting fellow collectors for a trade, the hunt for Labubu represents something magical — a reminder that even in a busy, digital world, wonder can still be found in the smallest, most unexpected places. The Pop Mart movement in Canada is only just beginning, and for those who have joined the chase, the adventure of collecting Labubu figures is one that never truly ends
