Pop Mart Investor Predicts Crybaby Will Be the Next Big Hit

Wei Zhe's prediction is based on his observation of Labubu's global popularity and Crybaby's current market performance, which has shown significant growth potential. He noted that Labubu's success was not unexpected, as he had predicted its popularity three years ago, even when the company's main revenue stream was generated by other products like MOLLY and DIMOO. Wei Zhe believes that Crybaby, with its unique "tear-drop" design and emotional resonance, has the potential to become a new social currency. The prediction is not only based on Wei Zhe's intuition but also backed by market data, which shows that Crybaby's sales have increased by 1536.2% in 2024, outpacing all other Pop Mart IPs.

The product's "eye-tear" design has sparked a DIY trend among users, further increasing user engagement and loyalty. However, not everyone is convinced that Crybaby will be the next big hit, with some users expressing concerns over the product's aesthetic appeal and potential market risks. The reactions of netizens to the prediction that Crybaby will be a hit have been mixed, with some expressing their belief in the investor's forecast and already purchasing Crybaby products, while others have adopted a skeptical stance, viewing the hype surrounding Crybaby as a result of capital manipulation.

Some netizens have questioned the authenticity of the prediction, suggesting that the popularity of a product can be artificially created through clever marketing and operational strategies. Meanwhile, others have been focusing on the recent announcement by POPMART Korea, a subsidiary of the company behind the popular LABUBU brand, to temporarily halt the offline sales of LABUBU products in Korea due to safety concerns. This decision has sparked a range of reactions, from understanding and support for the company's prioritization of customer safety, to frustration and disappointment among fans who were looking forward to purchasing these products in person.

Pop Mart's approach to business has been criticized by some as a "consumer trap," where the company leverages the emotional fluctuations of young people to drive sales. The strategy involves creating a sense of urgency and scarcity around its products, often by limiting the supply of popular items or releasing limited-edition designs. However, others argue that Pop Mart's success lies in its ability to tap into the emotional needs of young people and convert them into commercial value. By creating a sense of community and shared experience around its products, Pop Mart has built a loyal following of fans who are eager to engage with the brand.

The company's use of social media and influencer marketing has also helped to fuel the hype around its products, creating a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) among potential customers. The recent phenomenon of LABUBU, one of Pop Mart's core IPs, is a case in point, with fans lining up around the block to get their hands on the latest LABUBU releases. While the frenzy has led to safety concerns and temporary suspensions of sales in some markets, it also underscores the power of Pop Mart's brand to drive demand and create a sense of excitement around its products. As one investor noted, even unusual or unconventional products can become highly valuable when backed by the right marketing and branding strategy.