Labubu fever has swept the internet, but for one La Puente store, it just turned into a nightmare. One Stop Sales, a small resale shop that opened just two months ago, was hit by a calculated smash-and-grab robbery, wiping out $30,000 worth of highly sought-after Labubu collectible plushies.
Smash-and-Grab Caught on Camera
Co-owner Joanna Avendano described the emotional blow:
“There was a lot taken, maybe around $30,000 or more of inventory. 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.”
Surveillance footage shows suspects breaking through the front door around 2 a.m. Wednesday. Avendano said she awoke to motion alerts and watched helplessly as the thieves cleared shelves:
“I was watching everything… I was panicking because I couldn’t do anything.”
Interestingly, the burglars ignored electronics, cash, and other goods—zeroing in solely on the Labubu dolls, confirming the theft was targeted.
Social Media May Have Helped Plan the Theft
Avendano believes the heist was premeditated. A suspicious truck was spotted near the shop the night before, and she suspects the thieves tracked the store’s social media. Just days earlier, the shop posted a video announcing a new Labubu restock, likely tipping off the culprits.
Investigation Underway
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department – City of Industry station is investigating. Authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects or the suspicious vehicle spotted near the shop.
Viral Collectibles, Real-World Risks
With Labubu dolls exploding in popularity on TikTok and earning celebrity endorsements, the plushie craze has created big opportunities for small retailers—but also big risks. For One Stop Sales, the loss is not just financial, but a deep hit to the spirit of a new business still finding its footing.
