I work with a company that ideates and produces merchandise for some of the biggest IP licensors in the world.
If your wondering why the sudden influx of female characters in the nerd world, it comes down to merchandise sales.
Of course they are bringing in a new demographic by appealing to 50% of the population, but an unexpected result is just how much neckbeards go for female character merch.
In fact, among male fans, Rey merch sells better than characters like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, or Boba Fett.
Its true my friend, especially with certain lines of collectibles
Jacob Clark
>especially with certain lines of collectibles I'm guessing you're speaking of action figures.
Jaxson James
If it's true, it's only true for such a narrow demographic that the effects can't be seen on store shelves where OT and prequel era stuff flies but Nu-Wars merch collects dust.
Not much of a victory to make gains in a small corner of the market but make massive losses on all other fronts.
Eli Flores
Why wouldn't she sell better than fucking Han Solo or Boba Fett? Normalfags love her.
I know someone who changed her hairstyle because of Rey. She doesn't even like Star Wars. She wanted to come see Black Panther. But she doesn't even give a shit about Marvel trash. She just wants to be in on the current social movement in film. And that is why these things will trend.
Benjamin Smith
Because normalfags don't buy merch for themselves, and their kids want capeshit, not Star Wars. Just go to any Walmart and you'll see Force Awakens toys still collecting dust. I mean hell there are liquidation stores selling TFA toys up to 90% off and they can't move it.
Oliver Morales
Yes, but much more than that.
OT is targeted at oldfags and does generate tons of revenue. But it's viewed as a separate demographic than what the future is focusing upon
Jaxon Gray
>a separate demographic than what the future is focusing upon
Too bad for them that future demographic said "no thanks"
Ryan Allen
OP probably isn't talking about toys for kids, but about shit that manchildren buy, such as Funko Pop figures.
Julian James
You summed up my thought process perfectly. I just bought my Rey action figure and I regret nothing. Every time I look at her I'm filled with so much love. It's like having a gf but I don't have to take time out of my day for her or put up with her bullshit. However when I want to I can still take care of her by making nice outfits for her or taking nice photos. Costs less than a real gf too.
Its fake news to call TLJ merch a flop. It didn't make the revenue TFA did, but the industry now views that film as an outlier. The R1/TLJ baseline revenue is still enormous compared to other competing IP
Xavier Garcia
>Too bad for them that future demographic said "no thanks"
the future is female and they might say I want more of this.
Angel Thompson
Well I'm convinced, buying waifu action figure pronto.
Adam Martinez
Right, Star Wars merch is no longer branded as "for kids" but rather something similar to NFL/NBA/MLB
William Ross
Kill yourself reddit
Adrian Moore
>they might say I want more of this
They might want more of what they didn't get to begin with?
Jackson Gomez
They DO want it, dont believe your echo chamber.
Parker James
It's not any echo chamber that makes the sales numbers what they are. Seems to me it's like SJW comics, they love the idea, but they don't want to actually buy it.
William Reyes
> >Because normalfags don't buy merch for themselves, and their kids You underestimate the power of the soy
Cooper Smith
>The power of soy overcomes sales figures
Bentley Ross
This has been discussed, the sales numbers are fantastic amongst younger target demos
The stories about TLJ merch not selling "well" are fake news. They didnt sell as much as TFA and stores overestimated demand based on this, but TFA sales numbers were a phenomenon
Rogue One and TLJ merch sales were VERY strong compared to most similar IP
Jordan Flores
lol sure whatever you say
Benjamin Smith
>Rogue One and TLJ merch sales were VERY strong compared to most similar IP
There are literally 2 "similar IP", DC and Marvel, both of which blew them out of the water on that front.
And who is this young target demo given it's clearly not young boys and definitely not young girls given how "well" it sold amongst both.
Julian Taylor
>take money from men and give it to women >women now control the market well tickle me pink thanks socialism
Logan Brown
Put it this way: NEW Star Wars merch is a billion dollar merch industry
And yes it sells as well as capeshit Marvel and DC
Dominic Barnes
>Sells less then Spider Man alone >Top shit
Star Wars sold better before Disney bought the IP, but then again that was back when ideas where creative and designs where interesting so that's to be expected.
Camden Hernandez
But this is literally the first thing they teach you in marketing. Customer is ALWAYS assumed to be female.
