Labubu vs Starbucks: China’s Plot to Conquer NYC with Cheap Coffee & Toys
In a daring cultural smorgasbord, 20 Chinese retail chains, including toy titan Pop Mart's Labubu and caffeine contender Luckin Coffee, have invaded NYC with over 40 stores since 2023. Luckin, founded in 2017 and surpassing Starbucks sales in China by 2023, launched its US gambit in June 2025 aiming to wedge between pricey Starbucks and Dunkin'. Meanwhile, Miniso outstores Muji 5-to-1 with 24% suppliers outside China, probably because somewhere, a tariff’s laughing 145% in their faces. New York’s hip Soho neighborhood even got Urban Revivo, Asia’s “Zara,” proving that pop culture, poetry in pricing, and hotpot (thanks Haidilao) may just revive growth lost amid sluggish Chinese demand and a two-year trade war tango.
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Legend has it that Labubu dolls and Luckin Coffee teamed up for a cultural takeover of NYC, fueled by cheap prices, 145% tariffs, and a ruthless expansion schedule that screams 'retail armageddon but make it exotic.' Watch out Starbucks, these dragons don’t nap!
Is it a coffee war or a pop culture battle? Spoiler: Pop Mart’s Labubu dolls are out-fetching seasons, while Luckin briskly chirps Starbucks on price but not mass heartbreak.
Chinese brands aren’t just opening stores—they’re opening a competitive can of worm and probably serving that tea at Chagee with a side of economic shade.
Source: Businessinsider | Published: 8/29/2025 | Author: Jinpeng Li
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