3 d. ago Shein accused of ‘shaming’ customers into buying more than they can afford

Consumer watchdogs accuse Chinese fashion firm of ‘dark’ practices in formal complaint to European CommissionConsumer watchdogs from 21 countries have filed a formal complaint to EU authorities about alleged “dark” practices by the Chinese fast fashion firm Shein including the “shaming” of customers into buying more than they can afford.The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) has submitted a 29-page dossier to the European Commission citing multiple examples of “dark patterns”, or deceptive techniques designed to encourage purchases. Continue reading...

Economics

3 d. ago Part toy, part fashion, the arrival of the viral Labubu was a long time in the making

Labubu, the plush toy from China’s Pop Mart is a social media darling, but the toothy little monsters are not an overnight success

Politics

1 week ago Chinese customs seize hundreds of Labubu toys amid worldwide resale craze

The viral toys are being sold second-hand for up to £1,000 each on websites all over the world

Politics

1 week ago Now even WEDDINGS are gripped by Labubu fever! Brides are throwing £50 toys instead of bouquets amid shopper brawls over the popular items

The elf-like plush toys were created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and are described as having a playful yet fierce look thanks to their wide eyes, sharp teeth, and pointed ears.

Economics

2 w. ago Shocking moment Labubu brawl breaks out with shoppers desperate for the must

Shocking footage shared on social media shows several men hurling punches at one another as security guards and others desperately try to separate them.

Events

2 w. ago Labubu collector describes ‘battlefield’ resale market as toys pulled from shops

The viral bag charms were pulled from UK stores following reports of customers fighting over them and queuing overnight outside shops.

Economics

2 w. ago How we went goo goo for Labubu dolls: 'There's something primal about collecting them'

Pop Mart has promised to introduce a fairer system for buying the cult bag charms, but some fans are worried it’s gotten out of hand. India Block meets the obsessives

Politics

2 w. ago Labubu doll fans vent anger as Pop Mart pauses sales after 'fighting' at London store

One customer said: ‘It was just getting ridiculous to be in that situation where people were fighting and shouting and you felt scared’

Sport

2 w. ago Hit toy shop Pop Mart famed for Labubus to open at Trafford Centre

The shop has gone viral thanks to its collectable toys and the wildly successful Labubu furry monsters that see customers queuing out the door

Events

3 w. ago Why have Israeli attacks on Syria surged since the fall of Assad? – video explainer

Just two days after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria last December, Israel launched a sweeping offensive, seizing the Golan Heights and carrying out hundreds of airstrikes across the country. Israel has remained militarily involved in Syria, declaring regions near their shared border a demilitarised zone and carrying out frequent attacks, patrols and raids. These measures have frustrated the new leadership in Damascus, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, which has accused Israel of destabilising the country. Amaa al-Omar, a journalist who reports on Syria, explains what is driving the conflict and what impact it has had on Syria's interim leadersIsrael to occupy Syrian southern territory for ‘unlimited time’, says ministerSyria calls Israeli air strikes on Damascus a ‘dangerous escalation’Israel says airstrikes in Syria are ‘message’ to protect Druze minority Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Japan restaurant apologises after it bans Chinese customers for being ‘impolite’

The restaurant received backlash from many calling the move discriminatory

Economics

3 w. ago The internet is obsessed with these ‘ugly cute’ dolls — and they’re reselling for over $300

The toys rose to popularity when Blackpink dancer Lisa showed off her collection of them

Politics