As costs rise, more Singapore collectors part with toys, trading cards and comics

BULLISH OUTLOOK

Despite economic uncertainty, retailers remain optimistic about the long-term outlook for collectibles, although they expect buyers and sellers to become increasingly selective. 

At Sugoi Collection, Mr Xu believes demand for certain collectibles could rebound despite recent declines. 

While Labubu and Bearbrick figures are no longer commanding the same prices seen during their peak, the store continues to buy them. 

“Now is the low point of the Labubu cycle, but I believe in the next one to two years it will be good, because the Chinese company Pop Mart, they have a very structured plan to manage the collectibles,” said Mr Xu. 

For Bearbrick, Mr Xu pointed to a recent huge investment in Japanese firm Medicom Toy, which owns the bear. He said: “Investors see that Bearbrick will have a future. (It means) the market will go up again, it’s a cycle.”

Still, Mr Chong cautioned against viewing collectibles purely as investment assets. 

Some new entrants buy collectibles solely because prices are rising, expecting values to continue climbing indefinitely, he said. 

When market demand softens or liquidity dries up, these collectors may be forced to sell at a loss. 

“The nature of these hobbies is for people to collect, share with their friends, and play the game (for trading cards). It’s not really designed as an investment,” he said.