Hundreds of fans queued in Melbourne for the opening of Australia's first SkullPanda themed store, with some spending hundreds of dollars on limited edition collectibles.

Melbourne

Large crowds gathered in Melbourne for the opening of Australia's first Skull Panda themed store, with fans queuing overnight to secure limited edition Le Boo Boo dolls and Skull Panda collectibles. Some shoppers spent hundreds of dollars, including on a rare item with only 150 available worldwide, which required both luck and a significant purchase to obtain.

The popularity of these quirky collectibles has been fueled by social media and blind box marketing, drawing comparisons to past toy crazes like Furby and Tamagotchi. However, experts suggest the phenomenon may be short-lived, noting the rapid rise and potential decline of similar trends.

Collectors queue for launch of viral store

A craze so crazy, there were two lines stretching hundreds of metres. It can be completely bonkers if you're not part of that culture, but to the people in it, it makes perfect sense. That culture is Le Boo Boo dolls and Skull Panda collectibles. Fans began queuing last night in Melbourne, ready for today's opening of Australia's first Skull Panda themed store. What's the appeal? I think just the look and just it looks kind of creepy but cute in a way. It looks cute, it looks ugly, but it looks cute at the same time, why not? The quirky critters flew off the shelves, shoppers parting with hundreds of hard-earned dollars. Axe the credit card out? Absolutely, blow the budget on days like this. This was the prized purchase. There are only 150 in the world. To get it, you had to spend $40 and get lucky in a key selection game. Only then could you fork out the $370 it costs and buy it. Why do you want it so bad? I mean, that's very cute and it's a limited one. Everyone here today is hooked on the many characters that make up this new craze. For those who don't get it, I have a simple explanation. This is just the modern day Furby or Tamagotchi. Pushed to consumers through social media influences and sold in a blind box where you don't know which product you're getting. It feels like they can put more and more and more levers or marking levers on top of each other to create these instant phenomena. Experts are doubtful the obsession will last. I think the booby dolls have been quite quick, it only took a year or two. I'm not sure how this gold panda feels like it's going like that, which makes me think it's going to go like that on the other end. Rory Campbell, 10 News.

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