Table of Contents
- The Labubu Phenomenon: Why Everyone is Obsessed in 2026
- The Switzerland vs. USA Price Gap: Why You are Paying Too Much
- Top US Stores to Find Rare Labubu Figures
- How to Get US-Only Labubu Drops to Switzerland
- Navigating Swiss Customs and Import VAT
- Calculating Your Total Savings
- What to Do If US Stores Block Your Swiss Card
The Labubu Phenomenon: Why Everyone is Obsessed in 2026
It has been a few years since the initial explosion of the art toy movement, but in 2026, Labubu remains the undisputed king of the Pop Mart universe. Created by artist Kasing Lung as part of "The Monsters" series, this mischievous elf with its signature serrated teeth has evolved from a niche collectible into a global lifestyle icon. Whether it is the classic plush pendants or the high-end 1000% Mega Space Molly crossovers, Labubu is the must-have item for Gen Z and millennial collectors alike.
In Switzerland, however, the story is a bit different. While the demand in cities like Zurich and Geneva is sky-high, the local supply remains frustratingly thin. This scarcity has led to a secondary market where prices are often double or triple the original retail value. Collectors are left wondering why a "blind box" that costs a modest amount in North America feels like a luxury investment by the time it reaches Swiss soil.
The Switzerland vs. USA Price Gap: Why You are Paying Too Much
Why is there such a massive price disparity? The answer lies in market scale and distribution logistics. The US market receives significantly larger allocations of limited-edition releases directly from Pop Mart Global. Because of this high volume, US retailers can maintain closer-to-MSRP pricing. In contrast, Swiss boutiques often have to source through multiple middle-men, each adding their own margin, not to mention the high cost of retail space in Switzerland.
For example, a limited series Labubu figure that retails for $80 USD in a New York flagship store might be listed for 150 CHF or more in a Swiss specialty shop. Even when you factor in the cost of international shipping rates, the math frequently favors buying directly from the United States. By cutting out the local middle-man, you are not just saving money; you are gaining access to inventory that simply never makes it to Europe.
Top US Stores to Find Rare Labubu Figures
If you want to take advantage of these savings, you need to know where to look. Here are the most reliable US sources for Labubu in 2026:
- Pop Mart US Official: The first place to check for new drops and official retail pricing.
- NTWRK: A popular livestream shopping app in the US that often features exclusive Labubu colorways.
- eBay US: For serious collectors looking for older series or "secret" figures that are long sold out elsewhere.
- StockX: A great platform to verify the market value and authenticity of high-end Labubu collectibles.
How to Get US-Only Labubu Drops to Switzerland
The biggest hurdle for Swiss collectors is that many US-based stores do not offer direct shipping to Switzerland, or if they do, the costs are prohibitively expensive. This is where using a reliable package forwarder becomes essential. By using a service like comGateway, you get a dedicated US shipping address. You can ship your purchases from multiple US stores to this address, and then have them consolidated into a single package.
Consolidation is the secret weapon for savvy shoppers. Instead of paying for three separate international shipments, you pay for one, which significantly reduces the overall shipping from USA to Switzerland. This makes the US price gap even more attractive, as the "per-item" shipping cost drops drastically.
Navigating Swiss Customs and Import VAT
When importing goods into Switzerland, it is important to be aware of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) regulations. As of 2026, Switzerland continues to apply Value Added Tax (VAT) on imported goods. However, the process is streamlined if you have the right documentation.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| VAT Rate | Usually 8.1% for most consumer goods. |
| Processing Fee | Swiss Post or couriers charge a small fee for customs clearance. |
| De Minimis | Check current 2026 thresholds to see if your package is exempt from small tax amounts. |
Calculating Your Total Savings
Before you hit the "buy" button, it is wise to do a quick cost-benefit analysis. You should factor in the US retail price, the local US sales tax (which is 0% if your forwarder is located in a tax-free state like Oregon), and the international transit fee. You can use a shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost before you even place your order. In most cases, even with shipping and Swiss VAT, the total cost remains 20-30% lower than buying from a local Swiss reseller.
What to Do If US Stores Block Your Swiss Card
Occasionally, you might encounter a US online store that does not accept international credit cards or requires a US-based billing address. This can be a major roadblock for collectors in Switzerland. Fortunately, there is a solution known as the BuyForMe service. With an assisted purchase, the forwarding company buys the item on your behalf using a US payment method, ensuring you never miss out on a limited Labubu drop just because of your credit card's zip code.
In conclusion, the hype around Labubu Pop Mart isn't slowing down in 2026. If you are living in Switzerland and want to grow your collection without overpaying, looking toward the US market is the smartest move you can make. With a bit of strategic planning and the right forwarding partner, those elusive monsters are much closer than you think.
