Claw It Opens In Chinatown, With 40 Claw Games And Elusive Labubus

Claw It opened in June on the second floor of a Chinatown strip mall, offering 40 claw machines filled with plush toys and other prizes. The arcade allows visitors to exchange dollars for tokens to try their luck, with machines featuring basic claw mechanics and more complex challenges. Although many patrons initially sought casual entertainment, the store's main draw includes the popular Labubu dolls, which are priced above market value. Owner Jackie Xu, who imported all machines from China, noted the absence of claw machine arcades in Chicago as a reason for launching Claw It. The establishment has garnered attention through TikTok promotions, attracting families and friends looking to kill time.

Christi Ortiz, a visitor from Mokena, won a Spongebob plush, while Alyssa Avant was recognized as the group's big winner. Xu aims to create a unique experience for Chicagoans, filling a niche in the local entertainment landscape. The store's focus on claw machines aligns with a growing trend in Asian countries, where such arcades have gained popularity.