78% increase thanks to Transformers, Star Wars, G.I. Joe, and Spider-man...
Hasbro, the US's second largest toymaker, had a banner year in 2007, with an increase of 78% in boy's toys sales thanks to strong showings from fan-favorite toy lines like Transformers, Spider-man, Star Wars, and G.I. Joe. With the success of the Transformers live action film last summer, the celebration of the 25th anniversary of G.I. Joe, the 30th anniversary of Star Wars, and Spider-man 3 hitting theaters all in the same year, it's little surprise to fans and collectors...Hasbro CEO Alfred Verrecchia mentioned Transformers as the company's "leading brand," saying sales fueled by the film brought in over $480 million in 2007, obviously a great momentum-builder for the Transformers Animated series which debuted last month and the new animated toy series. Verrecchia also mentioned a sequel to last year's live-action Transformers film is on schedule to hit theaters in 2009 which should keep the property front and center in the hearts and minds of collectors, kids, and retailers everywhere.
Star Wars sales remained strong last year as well, due in large part to the property celebrated its 30th anniversary. With a new Star Wars animated series hitting televisions everywhere later this year, it too should remain a fan-favorite in 2008.
Similarly, thanks to strong showings from both a theatrical release and 4th quarter DVD sales, the company's Spider-man figures and toys have helped promote the new Spider-man animated series, scheduled to debut this March. Likewise, with the live-action Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk films hitting the big screen this summer, Hasbro's Marvel license should also stay a powerful seller and keep children and adult fans deep in comic and comic film collectibles.
Looking to keep G.I. Joe alive and well, Hasbro will continue to release new action figures and vehicles in 2008 to ensure this classic favorite draws attention from the masses. With the live-action G.I. Joe film shooting now and set to hit theaters in 2009, more than just old-school G.I. Joe fans and collectors could be yelling Yo Joe soon.
Be sure to check back this weekend as we cover all of the latest Hasbro action figures and collectibles live from the 2008 International Toy Fair in New York City.
Yo Joe!
02/12/08
Toy Fair 2008 coverage sponsored by
Dark Horse Comics,
ElmStreet-Online.com and Funko, and BigBadToyStore.com
For a great selection of G.I. Joe and military-themed action figures and collectibles, check out fine retailers SmallJoes.com, Guru-Planet.com, MonkeyDepot.com, BriansToys.com, ToyRocket.com, BigBadToyStore.com, ToyWiz.com and StatueToys.com.
For a great selection of G.I. Joe and pop culture apparel, check out TShirtGurus.com and 80sTees.com.
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