RTE star Claire Byrne has revealed how the popular Labubu toys ‘freak’ her out as she hammered the cost people shell out for them.
The Radio One host discussed the collectable plush toys – also known as “The Monsters” – which has become the latest craze for A-list stars and youngsters.
Household names such as Rihanna, David Beckham, Dua Lipa and Kim Kardashian have been spotted with the toy.
Speaking on Today With Claire Byrne this afternoon, the presenter wanted to learn more about the new craze.
The Irish host invited RTE Business reporter Adam McGuire on the show to share his insights on the product.
Both Claire and Adam brought their very own Labubus into the studio, which they had “borrowed” from their kids.
Describing the teddy, Byrne said: “It’s a teddy that looks a bit like a Gremlin, the one that I have has nail polish.”
The 49-year-old admitted that the mouth of the teddy “freaked her out”.
The Laois native added: “It’s got very many teeth, 10 teeth going up into its hairline and the eyes are a little bit angry, but it is nice and soft I suppose?”
McGuire laughed: “It’s somewhere between creepy and cute.”
He explained that Labubus are just regular teddies but are often used as keychains on purses or schoolbags.
The official name of the franchise is The Monsters, and one character goes by the name of Labubu, which stuck with customers going forward.
They became popular after the pandemic, as McGuire explained: “People were looking for something that wasn’t perfect or polished; they wanted something a little bit strange and weird.”
Claire was shocked to hear that the tiny toy is priced between €20 and €30 in Europe, but costs just under €10 in China.
She said: “Jesus that’s what they should be, they should only be €10, like look at them.
“People are going wild for them, you even have stories of brawls breaking out.
LABUBU dolls are the latest craze to have taken over the internet, going viral on TikTok especially.
The new viral trend has reached Ireland leaving stores across the country scrambling to stock the colourful and fluffy dolls.
But what actually are Labubus and why is everyone so obsessed with them?
The Labubu doll is an animated character with large eyes and several pointed teeth.
They come on a keyring with people attaching them to their keys, bags and decorating their cars with them.
The fluffy creature comes bagged in sealed packaging and you have to open them up to reveal what colour you got in your box.
Katelyn Brown, who posts under @katlelynnbrownn_ on TikTok found Labubus in her local Conway’s Centra store in Derry.
Katelyn revealed to followers she paid £8.99 for the furry friend which is around €10.50.
However, prices across different stores in Ireland vary and can range from €10 up to €20 or €30.
In Dublin, Forbidden Planet in Temple bar are selling Labubus for €19.99.
McGuire told how the Labubu plush toy is a “lucky dip” as customers have no idea which character they will get.
He added: “Some people will queue overnight outside shops for them for the latest drop.”
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