China’s Booming Business: Repairing Labubu Dolls for Millions

A new and lucrative industry is thriving in China — repairing Labubu dolls, the viral plush toys that have taken the world by storm. With the right setup and streamlined service, this niche market is generating millions of dollars for skilled artisans known as “toy surgeons.”

These craftsmen re-stuff, repaint, sew, and restore damaged soft toys, breathing new life into beloved collectibles. One Shanghai-based master, dubbed “Heartman,” revealed that demand has surged to the point where he enlisted his wife’s help to manage the flood of orders.

Also read:

• Labubu’s Reign Ends as Wakuku Takes China by Storm
• LEGO and Fortnite Team Up: Four New Sets Featuring Klombo and Mecha Team Leader Announced
• KFC Unveils Brainrot Character Toys in Spain, Sparking Social Media Frenzy

The repair trend coincides with a growing second-hand market for Labubu dolls, where rare editions fetch hundreds of dollars. This reflects the toys’ escalating value and the deep attachment collectors have to their unique designs. As the craze expands, the emergence of specialized salons dedicated to Labubu care seems like the next logical step, promising to further elevate this unexpected economic phenomenon.