Labu phenomenon: watch out for counterfeits

It is the most popular of all stuffed animals: the labu. Mid-monster, mid-hack, sold in mysteries. With each opening, the same hysterical reaction. A global phenomenon born on social networks a few months ago. Even celebrities have succumbed to the trend like Rihanna or Tenniswoman Naomi Osaka. Madonna even made her birthday cake. Everywhere, customer lines lie down. Until seven hours of waiting in Berlin (Germany). But also many people in Paris, where the lucky ones come to seek their order after being drawn. This is the rule. “It creates a certain rarity and also a certain exclusivity”explains a customer.

It sells 10 million Labu per month. A success such as counterfeits are multiplying, leading to the birth of a cousin, a little strange: the Lafufu. They are found on the Internet, in unofficial stores and on the markets, where the Stands of False Labu flower. At 10 euros each, unlikely that these be true. They are half cheaper than in official points of sale. A sold price assumed by the seller: “The most expensive, we paid for 6 euros”. Customs, alerted to the phenomenon, sees more and more. This summer, at least three massive seizures took place in France.

These copies are not without danger because they do not meet European security standards. “We see that it is a product that can be really dangerous. It breaks easily and it can become a danger for children”Indicates Julien Schaal, assistant to the regional customs director of Mulhouse (Haut-Rhin).

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