In 2024–2025, Labubu dolls became popular, and now everyone is talking about them. Lisa from Blackpink unintentionally sparked a buzz when she was seen carrying one in her purse in April 2024.
Photo : Twitter
A group of masked burglars stole thousands of dollars’ worth of Labubu dolls from a toy shop in Los Angeles this week, authorities and the store’s owners said, in what they believe was a targeted theft of the in-demand collectible.
The break-in happened early Wednesday at One Stop Sales in La Puente, about 18 miles (29 kilometres) east of downtown Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies said the suspects used a stolen Toyota Tacoma to carry out the burglary. The vehicle was recovered shortly afterward.
Store co-owner Joanna Avendano told ABC News Local 7 that the burglars bypassed other merchandise and went straight for the Labubus, which were recently restocked. She suspects the thieves may have monitored the store’s social media for announcements and noted a suspicious truck parked outside the night before.
“There was a lot taken, maybe like around $30,000 or more of inventory,” Avendano said, adding, “We worked so hard to get to this point, and for them to just come in and, like nothing, take it all away, it’s really bad.”
The store posted surveillance footage on Instagram showing at least four people in hoodies and face coverings breaking in, rummaging through shelves and carrying out boxes. The business said in the post it was “still in shock” and urged the public to help identify the suspects.
The sheriff’s department estimated the stolen dolls’ retail value at about $7,000, though prices for the toothy, plush Labubus can vary widely. According to the store’s website, some dolls sell for as much as $500 each, and high demand has driven resale prices into the thousands.
Labubu is a popular designer toy character created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and produced by Chinese collectible brand Pop Mart. Known for its mischievous smile, big eyes, and sharp teeth, Labubu comes in various whimsical costumes and themed series, often released as part of blind-box collections.
First introduced in 2015 as mischievous, pointy-eared and sharp-toothed monsters in three picture books inspired by Nordic mythology, Labubu gained cult status among art toy enthusiasts. Its quirky, slightly eerie yet cute appearance has attracted celebrity fans like Rihanna and Lisa from Blackpink. In India, stars including Ananya Panday, Shilpa Shetty, and Urvashi Rautela have joined the trend.
Limited-edition releases and high demand have also led to soaring resale prices, making Labubu a sought-after collectible. The phenomenon has driven Pop Mart’s sales to new heights, with revenue from plush toys surging over 1,200% in 2024, reports AP.