Pop Mart, a Chinese-based company that sells designer toys and figurines worldwide, opened its first vending-machine style “Robo Shop” on a college campus outside the USC Bookstore on Thursday afternoon, according to an Instagram Reel from USC Bookstore.
The vending machine replaced the Sprinkles Cupcakes ATM, which opened in 2016 but hadn’t been operational after the nationwide company closed all its locations in December 2025.
Pop Mart has over 500 stores across more than 30 countries and sells products such as Labubus, viral plush monster toys made as collectible figures and keychains, according to the store’s website.
The company has more than 60 locations in California and over 30 locations in the Los Angeles area, including brick-and-mortar stores and Robo Shops. Some of the nearest locations include a store in Culver City and Robo Shops in Downey, Long Beach and Montebello.
Prices for the figurines range from $16.99 to $36.99 at the new dispensing machine.
Natalie Nim, a freshman studying biomedical engineering, said she was surprised to see Pop Mart replace Sprinkles, although she heard that the quality of the vending machine’s cupcakes was subpar.
“Gen Z really likes Pop Mart,” Nim said. “I personally like Sprinkles, but now USC is updating what is more with the times.”
Emma Sun, a freshman majoring in business administration, ran up to the vending machine when she saw it had been installed Thursday. Sun said she is a big fan of Pop Mart products and regularly buys the collectibles for her mom and aunt.
Though she didn’t purchase anything Thursday, Sun said she was excited to see multiple figures she didn’t recognize and was excited to return to buy from the machine.
“I have a feeling my money in my wallet is gonna be gone soon,” Sun said.
Edited by Caitlin Roehmholdt.