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Collectibles => Past Hasbro 3.75" Lines => Saga '02-'04 => Topic started by: Brian on September 10, 2003, 05:52 PM

Title: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: Brian on September 10, 2003, 05:52 PM
With all of the problems many (or most) of us have had finding figures at retail in 2003, do you think things will change for next year?  Personally, there are a lot of figures being shown and/or rumored that I really don't want to miss out on...but its always nicer to find them in the store for retail price.  I have finally seen 2003 figures at retail in the past two weeks, spotting a DF Padme, Flying R2, Research Droids, and a repacked Jango Fett KE so far.  I also found the first two Screen Scene sets, but only had enough $ to pick up the Jedi Council one, and all were gone a week later when I came back.  Also, my brother was nice enough to pick up WA-7, Emperor, Wat Tambor, repacked Vader, Coleman Trebor, and Dannl Faytonni (he lives about an hour away from me)...so I was thinking maybe retail might be starting to improve...even here in Nebraska.  But, things still aren't great, and I know others have had problems still.  I'm still trying to catch up on everything from 2003 (waiting on preorders from Kebco).  I have noticed however that even if stores don't have the latest figures, the old ones have at least been cleared out (there's usually almost nothing there period, at least for basic figures).  Anyways, long story short, do you think things will clear up towards the end of this year and early next year?  I don't know about everyone else, but really the basic figures have been the biggest problems around here.  I have seen the Luke/Sidious/Obi Wan Unleashed wave a few times, the Council Scenes once, the 12" Han/Lando/Officer wave once, and all of the Clone Wars ships (just saw the multipacks this week too).  Do you think retail will shape up in time for us to find great upcoming figures like Hoth Luke, Wampa, C-3PO, Rieekan, etc.?  Good luck to all of you on your searches.
Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: dustrho on September 10, 2003, 07:19 PM
There's a TON of stuff I have NEVER seen in any store by my house.  I have given up the "hunts" I used to do on a regular basis.  I started using an online retailer, but everything I kept getting from them was smashed/damaged, and I'm a MOMC collector.  So, I hope something turns out for the best, because this is absolutely ridiculous the way figures are being distributed (or should I say "not" being distributed).
Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: CHEWIE on September 11, 2003, 12:00 AM
I just hope that 2004 is better than 2003.   >:(

 :P
Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: Darth Broem on September 11, 2003, 12:10 PM
It's getting better in my area.  Especially Target.  So, there is hope for me at least.  As a whole?  I don't really know.  
Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: JediMAC on September 16, 2003, 02:28 AM
I've been pretty fortunate out here in SoCal, and have found everything (rather timely too) at retail this year - 80% of which was at Target.  The past several weeks a lot of the earlier 2003 figures are finally starting to show up in abundance, so as far as distribution goes, I'm hoping to have similar luck on my hunts next year.  But I know this hasn't been the case for many collectors this year, so hopefully Hasbro gets these figures flowing out to retail a lot better in the coming year.  Of course, there's always the trading boards here if you need some help.  Anyone still having trouble finding 2003 stuff should just give their fellow collectors a shout!  I know I've got plenty of 2003 extras that I could dole out to anyone still in need...   ;)

As far as the figures themselves go...  I'm expecting pretty much to have a line similar to the POTJ line of 2001 and early 2002.  Better quality, more articulation and neutral poses, better charactar variety - including more OT and background characters, etc.  I think 2004 might be the last GREAT year we get for the figures, if all goes as I'm thinking it will.  Most of the remaining obscure characters will hopefully finally make it into plastic, so that by the time Ep. 3 rolls around, that film will constitute most of what will be remaining at that point, along with the usual rehashes and a few new figures thrown in as well here and there...

THEN, sometime around 2007/2008 Hasbro will move on to that "Ultimate" Star Wars line that Jesse, John and I have been yappin' about for the past year or so!   8)
Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: SiteC on September 18, 2003, 06:33 AM
IMHO, we should be fine at retail next year, as long as stores do not go hog wild and order tons and tons and tons of figures at christmas  which will sit there for months on end after the holiday...that is why 2003 sucked up until now.  Its improving drastically.  I have found more figures in the past 3 weeks than I have in 8 months...
Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: Brian on September 29, 2003, 10:18 AM
I'm still trying to decide whether or not to go ahead and preorder upcoming waves of figures, or hope to find them at retail.  Although retail has gotten a little better around here lately, I don't live in a town with any Wal-Marts, Targets, TRU, etc., and have to drive 30 to 40 miles to find them.  My wife and I usually go on the weekends, and I have had decent luck lately (found screen scenes 2 this weekend, and finally a Hoth Han!), but I can't be there when they open at 8 to find the latest figures.  I would prefer to shop at retail, but I definitely don't want to miss out on these 2004 offerings, they look like some of the best figures yet.  Are any of you taking your chances with retail from now on?
Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: Mainland05 on October 15, 2003, 11:13 AM
Same here, i dont know whether or not to pre-order or wait for retail and get them all for cheap.  Usually i just breakdown and go to EE and hit order, but every once in a while all get lucky and find some rare figs, at retail and buy them.  
Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: Jim on October 15, 2003, 11:44 AM
Some of you guys hit it right on the head.  My area was dry for over 6 months.  Now certain figs are flooding my area (Clone Wars, Emperor Wave, etc).  Hopefully this will continue into the new year.  I definitely think the bigger cities, for example where Matt lives, gets even a bigger abundance of figures due to the population in his area.  For us people in the sticks, its a gamble.  But things do look like they are improving.  
Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: speedermike on October 16, 2003, 12:43 PM
Considering how things usaully pick up during the X-Mas season, I am going to wait and see what hits retial.  However, if January rolls around and retail is as dry as it was last year, I will start ordering cases.  I waited this year and didn't see a new figure for 7 months, then things slowly started to pick up.  But  I must admit, those 7 months were not fun.  I was constsntly hunting and coming up dry.

What's got me a bit worried is that in my area (Queens, NY) thing shave totally dried up again for Saga stuff.
Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: Darth Broem on October 16, 2003, 12:53 PM
I don't know if any of you have a store called Farm and Fleet in your area or not?  However, this is mainly a Farming supply store that only has toys for the Christmas season.  This weekend they are opening up their toy area at 7am (at least in my area) Saturday the 18th.  They always have current Star Wars figures on the pegs.  I have found some stuff there I never find at retail in the past such as Han/Tauntaun 3 3/4.  

The trick is you MUST be there well before the doors open so you can be among the first to get something.  It's a gamble because there is lots of shoving and pushing and collectors there.  But hey, you might get lucky.  
Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: Angry Ewok on October 16, 2003, 03:11 PM
Things have been horrible for 2003... I don't see anything getting any better with 2004... Take into account there seem to be less people collecting, less figures avaliable but more figures being released... 2004 is going to be one great big ugly mess. At least, it will be for most people.

As it is - it takes far too long for figures to flood the shelves, and USUALLY they are figures that aren't all that good, and/or have already been given up on and purchased online.

Just my opinion.
Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: Jimmy on October 16, 2003, 05:06 PM
I think it'll pan out a lot like this year...

The first half will suffer retail wise as it usually does in an off movie year. And of course will pick up towards the 3rd qtr...

Although Hasbro might do well in the first few qtrs w/ the new wave concept... but that won't last long.

I some how found 95% at retail this year... though it took a whole lot more hunting and time consumption.
Some I saw once and once only...

Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: jadesfire on October 16, 2003, 05:57 PM
Locally, I don't think I'll do very well.  I live in the Upper Peninsula, in Delta County so we have one Shopko (still have 2002 figures), one Kmart (has a toy isle but hardly any toys in it) and one Walmart (hit and miss with figures) and that's it.  Nothing else.  
I just pre-ordered the cases that were available and if they show up at Walmart it'd would probably be one case and should sell, but I just can't take that chance.  With the case breakdown being as it is, my options of going to Green Bay and finding the short packed figures are zero.  The WI forum at RS does quite well in covering the state and they are having a tough time helping each other out so on-line is really my only hope (besides all the great people here who've helped me).

I just hope Hasbro fills the orders of the smaller dealers (Kebco, EE, NJC just to name a few) or I might be totally screwed. :P

Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: proudfather2 on October 17, 2003, 10:26 AM

I’ve given Hasbro the benefit of the doubt for far too long as it is. I keep hoping, and hoping and hoping that their crappy distribution and case assortment problems will resolve themselves, but alas, they haven’t in the last half decade so why should I think they will now? I’ll just do what I’ve been doing for the last, seems like years, and take what I can, when I can. Fortunately I’ve found all of it except some of the most current stuff (Faytonni wave and later) but unfortunately this stuff usually pops up one time only then disappears forever. Way to go Hasbro! Kenner would be proud.

Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: Brian on October 17, 2003, 10:47 AM
I'd like to be able to rely on retail as well, its a little cheaper, and its always nice actually finding something in the stores like that.  I've had a little bit of lucky lately with the Screen Scenes, Hoth Han, the first 3 Clone Wars figures, and my brother found me the Faytonni wave, and JediMAC is helping me fill out some holes in my collection from this year....but I really don't want to miss out on any 2004 figures.  I was hoping that maybe the new "wave every month" thing for next year would help, but I don't know.  Since I don't have anywhere to shop in my home town for the figures it is a 30-40 minute drive just to check for them, most likely on a Saturday, so they'll probably be cleared out before I get there.  I don't remember having quite this much trouble during POTJ though.  Hopefully it will improve :).
Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: Mainland05 on October 20, 2003, 11:18 AM
I think retail will be a lot better for 2004 it will pull though,  it is a mirror image, from 1999-2004.

1999 - EP1 release, great year
2002 - EP2 release, great year
2000 - Not to good year for collectors,
2003 - Retail very poor, also not good,
2001 - Excellent year for collectors
2004 - Again, going to be excellent year for collectors.

Told You.
Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: Darth Berger on October 21, 2003, 11:34 PM
the mirror image is lost on me
Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: Mainland05 on October 22, 2003, 10:57 AM
ok, let me make it easy, :

1999 Episode 1 was released new figures were released easy to get,
2000 not to good year for collectors poor distribution & rare,
2001 excellent year for collectors,

2002 Episode 2 was released new figures were released easy to get,  
2003 not to good year for collectors very dry, poor distribution & rare,
2004 excellent year for collectors.

The year after the movie release collectiing sucks, the year after the sorry distribution year, it gets better.
Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: speedermike on October 22, 2003, 10:53 PM
Mainlando, your idea is pretty accurate, but things have changed over the years.  In 2001, I found most of my POTJ figures at Electronic Boutique and Software ETC.  They were pricey, but reliable.  I found very little POTJ at regualr toy reatil.  The problem is that EB and Software Etc. no longer carry Star Wars.  Next year could be very dicey.
Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: Mainland05 on October 23, 2003, 10:58 AM
Thanks, dude.

Well i see some people may have not had to good of luck, but i know that most of the POTJ figures i have a got in 2001, so i guess it depends on all where you live.
Title: Re: Retail 2004: How Do You Think It Will Be?
Post by: Nicklab on November 2, 2003, 08:58 AM
A lot of how 2004 will be depends on how this Christmas season goes.  If retailers are able to move a lot of Star Wars during the holidays, then we might be in a decent position for distribution in 2004.

I expect that there might be some big sales.  Very likely at Toys R Us, where they might hold another "Black Friday" sale the day after Thanksgiving.  I'd expect figures to be priced as low as $1.99 each for that event.  Unfortunately, the same tactic hasn't been working all that well for KayBee.

After the holidays and the ensuing inventories, I'd expect the first couple of months of '04 to be a little dry at retail.  That's just an annual occurrence as retail chains assess their post-holiday inventory situation, and process any new orders.  Things will usually pick up in March and the second quarter.

My assessment?  If you're a GOTTA HAVE IT! type, then you might want to pre-order the first few waves of 2004.  After that, you should be able to get everything easily enough at retail.