Labubu is everywhere - from TikTok edits to custom BBLs, to collectors spending hundreds to make theirs one of a kind. In our previous Labubu episode, we spoke about the business behind Popmart and why it is so popular. In this episode, we go further into the consumer’s psyche, over a toy that has no practical purpose.

Tengian, Elody, and Phyllis discuss:

• How customization, scarcity, and storytelling drive fan culture

• The emotional psychology behind spending on toys with zero utility

• How Pop Mart turned Labubu into its #1 revenue driver — surpassing Molly

• Why fights are breaking out in stores… and what that says about hype economics

  
  

Timestamps

00:01:00: Why people are customizing and giving BBLs to Labubu

00:03:30: The cost of a single collectible (and its emotional value)

00:06:00: Why useless things make better business

00:09:00: Labubu surpasses Molly: Pop Mart’s growth explained

00:11:30 – International hype, bans, and resale frenzy

Luckin Coffee is finally entering the U.S. — starting with New York City. Will Luckin be able to challenge Starbucks in its own backyard?

Many mistake Luckin’s product as simply coffee. It is not - Luckin is more like an ecommerce company.

Tune in as we explore:

• Luckin’s platform-like model, and how it turns its coffee stores into mini fulfillment centers;

• Why Luckin launched in New York, unlike Chagee in Los Angeles;

• How Luckin’s digital DNA gives it a global edge;

• What challenges Luckin may face, particularly in terms of organisation and people

00:01:00 – Luckin launches in New York

00:04:30 – Food trucks and free coffee: how Luckin builds brand

00:07:30 – Luckin is more like an ecommerce platform than coffee chain

00:11:10 – This is not Luckin’s first international venture

Featured materials:

Luckin Coffee enters Malaysia with an unconventional partner, TheLowDown

https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/luckin-coffee-enters-malaysia-with-an-unconventional-partner/

Luckin Coffee lands in New York: Can it take on Starbucks at home?, TheLowDown

https://thelowdown.momentum.asia/luckin-coffee-lands-in-new-york-can-it-take-on-starbucks-at-home/

E86: Luckin Coffee opens 20,000th store, The Impulso Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRg4JqFMmwk

Coffee in Southeast Asia, Momentum Works

https://momentum.asia/product/coffee-in-southeast-asia/

In this episode, we dive into the world of quick commerce - also known as “insta shopping” or “near field commerce” by our insights team. In markets like China and India, companies are starting to set their delivery goals within 15 to 30 minutes. We break down what really happens behind the scenes after an order is placed on your smartphones: the logistics, the tech, and the very different operation models behind 15 minute vs 30 minute deliveries. Are 15 minute deliveries even feasible? What challenge do platforms, merchants and riders face in making it work? Will 15 minute delivery become the future of ecommerce? 00:01:00 – What exactly is quick commerce and what are the expectations around the world? 00:03:05 – Insights from inside a dark store 00:06:20 – How does the platform choose to prioritise online orders, or physical shoppers? 00:09:00 – What are the struggles the riders are facing? 00:13:00 – Are 15 minute deliveries feasible? Featured materials: Upstream movie on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/sg/title/81946536