Why we’re marching on Pawtucket, RI:
Collectors have been dropping at an alarming rate since 2007, we understand it’s a lot to do with the economy but much of it is frustrated collectors simply giving up to put their money into the higher cost of living. Or in many cases the collector is using that money they used to spend on action figures and directing the funds towards high-end collectibles from companies like Sideshow Collectibles, Gentle Giant and Kotobukiya if they can still afford to stay in the game.
There is much to be said about the direction they’ve taken the line. Whether it’s making the Vintage Collection go away, or the glut of unwanted product that is in each and every toy aisle across the country, it is easy to see Hasbro could be doing a much better job. Why wouldn’t they cut the Movie Hero line before the Vintage Collection? As great as the intention of Movie Heroes are, the fact is they clog up the pegs and prevent new waves from flowing into retail every 4-8 weeks as it should. In fact some would argue Hasbro is putting more effort into the Fighter Pods line than the basic 3 ¾ assortment!
They said at Celebration VI they were going to “get it right” and since we’ve only seen the 2012 Episode I figures replaced with cases of “Lost Line” figures here and there. There’s not a doubt in my mind the line has taken a tumble since they switched over to the Darth Maul packaging. Are we going to wait for it to go away again? Will a time come when retail no longer chooses to carry exclusives but the entire line altogether? Part of the enjoyment for a collector is FINDING the new figure at the store. That little bit of excitement you used to get as a kid when you ran into the toy aisle. That feeling has been few and far between for most of us during our toy hunt the past several years, and this is why we need to step up and hold them to it. Get it right Hasbro, we deserve better and at the end of the day are only wish is to buy your products.
