If you’ve driven past the Shell station at 11550 Benbrook Blvd lately, you might’ve noticed a display catching the eyes of kids, teens, and curious parents alike.
Sitting right there at the checkout: a batch of colorful, wide-eyed LaBubu figures, priced at $19.99.
But are they real?
Let’s back up. LaBubu is part of the collectible designer toy world, launched by Pop Mart—a brand that’s exploded in popularity thanks to its quirky, creepy-cute characters.
Think big heads, tiny bodies, mischievous faces. These toys are especially sought after by Gen Z collectors, anime fans, and anyone into offbeat pop art. Social media hype and mystery box drops only add fuel to the craze.
But with popularity comes knockoffs. And that’s where things get murky.
According to several Benbrook residents, the Shell station’s LaBubus are actually “Fufus”—counterfeit copies that look close but don’t hold up under scrutiny.
Fake ones can be spotted by their cheap packaging, blurry QR codes, missing pull tabs, off-center artwork, or odd trash can icons on the box. Some don’t even come with the correct character images.
One buyer said they were fooled, while another reported that a foot fell off a figure they had purchased at Hulen Mall.
Meanwhile, others are reporting prices as high as $39.99 at nearby smoke shops, with some saying those seem more authentic. Still, many collectors are opting to skip the guessing game altogether and stick with verified purchases directly from Pop Mart’s app or store, especially with a new launch having dropped on July 15th.
So if you’re thinking of buying one for your kid or adding to your collection, take a closer look before you spend your money. Not every cute face on a box is the real thing—and for some folks, the knockoffs aren’t worth the trouble.
Bottom line: Do your homework. Or just wait for the official launch and skip the fake-out.
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