Snack-themed Labubu launch draws queue

The launch of snack-themed Labubu dolls drew a queue of some 160 fans at retailer Pop Mart's Ion Orchard store on June 28, with the earliest arrivals reaching before dawn.

- Carmen Sin

First in line was microbiology student Sarah C, who took her spot at 5.30am. The 25-year-old, who declined to give her last name, said she had made the effort "because it's Labubu, it's going to be popular".

The long-time collector, who owns more than 30 of the sharp-toothed, fluffy-eared dolls, added: "It's not so bad today. Arriving at 5.30am is considered late for the more popular series."

The queue for the last Labubu release at the same store in April began at 2am, a Pop Mart part-timer told The Straits Times.

This latest range, called The Monsters Wacky Mart series, launched on the Pop Mart global online store on June 13 and landed in Singapore on June 28.