The Labubu Effect

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮 𝗙𝘂𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗱?

If you know me well, you know that I can't stand the Labubu trend. However, there may be something deeper at play, and it has me curious.

This trend reminds me of an insight I encountered earlier in my career. Years ago, while working on one of Coca-Cola's coffee businesses, I was introduced to the concept of "puchi zeitaku," which refers to small luxuries that often provide emotional rewards when larger indulgences are out of reach.

There are parallels to be found not only in Labubu but also in the Dubai Chocolate craze, the rise of "micro-cations," and Lauder's "Lipstick Effect" of the early 2000s.

Beyond a furry fetish, Labubu feels like a sign of things to come, or at least an indicator of how a generation is navigating shaky times by seeking out micro-indulgences and escapism.

Sean Damian Tucker explores the “Labubu Effect” and why small luxuries matter in challenging and uncertain times.