Yesterday, on Singles' Day (Nov 11), AliExpress brought China's biggest shopping bash to London with a high-energy live stream that sold out popular Labubu collectibles in minutes 🎉
Pop Mart's cult-fave figures – Labubu, Crybaby and SkullPanda – come locked in sealed blind boxes, so every unboxing is a surprise. This mystery element has turned these mini toys into global must-haves.
AliExpress tapped 23-year-old UK influencer Anna Williams (1.3M TikTok followers) and co-host Mary He for four daily two-hour livestreams. Broadcasting on the AliExpress app, they're set to move 10,000 toys by Friday, keeping viewers hooked with live unboxings and exclusive drops.
According to Bonnie Zhao, general manager at AliExpress UK, Pop Mart sales spiked 1,500% in October vs. last year, while overall collectible toy sales jumped 300% in the first half of 2025. That's viral power for you!
Fans aren't just collecting – they're styling. Labubu charms are popping up on backpacks, phone straps and even streetwear snaps from Mumbai to Manila 😍 Plus, a buzzing resale market means you can flip surprises for profit.
Livestream shopping may have started in the Chinese mainland, but it's gone global. Western brands like Zara and IKEA have tested the format, and TikTok Shop's launch across Europe is fueling more live-shop action. 'It's still early days, but brand interest is huge,' says live-shopping veteran Carmen Muley.
For young Asia audiences, this is more than a toy drop – it's a community, a mini thrill ride and a social media moment rolled into one. Missed the stream? Don't worry, the next unboxing party drops soon on the app!
Reference(s):
Labubu craze hits London on Singles' Day with AliExpress live shopping
cgtn.com
