The recent craze for Labubus, the adorable collectibles that have captured the hearts of both children and adults alike, has escalated to alarming heights. A store in La Puente, California, well-known for its extensive collection of these coveted plush toys and related merchandise, was the target of a burglary early Wednesday morning. Social media posts revealed the shocking incident, igniting discussions about the escalating demand for Labubus.
According to the store, One Stop Sales, the break-in occurred around 1:30 a.m., with masked thieves caught on surveillance footage stealing several boxes of inventory. The store shared this footage on their Instagram page, showcasing the audacity of the burglars as they loaded their vehicle, a white Toyota Tacoma, with the stolen merchandise. In an emotional post, the owners expressed their disbelief: “Today we got robbed, and they took all of our inventory, trashed our store. We are still in shock.”
Labubus are not just your average plush toys; they are highly sought-after collectibles originating from the Chinese company Pop Mart. These charming characters, often featured in “blind boxes,” are sealed packages that contain a surprise collectible, which can include pendants or figurines designed to be fashionable accessories. The allure of these Labubu collectibles is further amplified by their limited availability and the excitement of the unboxing experience.
In the days leading up to the burglary, One Stop Sales had been actively promoting its inventory on social media, likely attracting the attention of thieves eager to capitalize on the Labubu craze. Although the exact number of stolen Labubu boxes remains unclear, the popularity of these items has been well-documented, with individual Labubu characters retailing for $28 and often selling out quickly online.
The secondary market for Labubus has seen prices soar, with some characters selling for double or even triple their original retail price. A particularly stunning case occurred in June when a life-size Labubu fetched an astounding $170,000 at a Beijing auction, highlighting the intense demand for these plush collectibles. Such figures not only underscore the popularity of Labubus but also the lengths to which some will go to acquire them.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the burglary, leaving the community anxious for updates. Local collectors and fans of Labubus have taken to social media to express their support for One Stop Sales, emphasizing the importance of securing local businesses that contribute to the community’s charm.
As the Labubu phenomenon continues to grow, incidents like this burglary serve as a stark reminder of the impact of viral trends on consumer behavior. The combination of cuteness, collectibility, and social media influence has created a perfect storm, making Labubus not only a coveted item for collectors but also a target for theft.
