The boy, from Romford, Essex, who cannot be named, appeared at Highbury Corner Youth Court, where he admitted being part of a gang of youths who looted the town's Debenhams store on Monday night.
His appearance came as court staff ploughed through an influx of cases from recent riots in London.
Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court, in north London, sat throughout Tuesday night to deal with cases, and is likely to again on Wednesday.
Defendants ranged in age, from different parts of London. The boy was the youngest defendant to appear in Highbury today.
Wearing a blue Adidas tracksuit, the youth spoke only to confirm his name, age and date of birth.
