Tag Archives: funko

Funko’s Loungefly brand sees sales surge and global growth of 25 per cent

Posted on by

While it’s true enough that the world’s pandemic crisis saw some of the biggest forms of live entertainment hit the pause button for the best part of the year, the likes of Disney’s portfolio of theme parks that draw all manner of pop culture enthusiasts year on year, the desire among fans to buy into their favourite brands hasn’t been diminished.

At Loungefly, the lifestyle and gifting division of the pop culture specialist, Funko, 2020 has seen sales ‘go through the roof.’ The business has told Licensing.biz that it has seen a massive surge in numbers of sales, amid a 25 per cent global growth of its branded products portfolio, proof that the pandemic hasn’t dampened the world’s culture of fandom.

Global sales at Loungefly are now estimated to generate up to $100,000,000 by 2021, while Truffle Shuffle, one of the company’s key retailers in the lifestyle space, has confirmed that it now manages to sell somewhere between 2,000 to 3,000 Loungefly bags per month on average.

Head of softlines, Funko EMEA, Rich Smith

“Sales this year have been incredible, and growth has exceeded expectations, with all things considered,” Rich Smith, head of softlines, Funko EMEA, told Licensing.biz. “We have seen huge success behind some of the Disney properties which are not as mainstream, such as Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp, and Pixar’s Wall:E. Our evergreen properties such as Mickey, Star Wars, and Disney Princess have also continued to serve us well too.”

It’s according to Smith that demand in the pop culture lifestyle space this year has, in part, been fuelled by an unsatisfied itch among the fandom space; one that has been exacerbated by the closure of events and destinations like theme parks or conventions throughout the year. As a result, the scene’s audience of fans have taken to engaging with their favourite brands via other means.

“Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the gigantic fanbase who normally save up and visit the Disney Parks haven’t been able to and have therefore spent the money they would normally spend at the parks on product from retailers across Europe and Loungefly,” said Smith.

“Loungefly opens Funko up to a different customer base and vice versa for Loungefly. So many of the fans are wanting to get more product that ties into their collections. The beauty of the Funko umbrella is that you can buy a Marvel backpack, a Marvel t-shirt, a Marvel mug, a Marvel keyring, a Marvel advent calendar, and so forth, all under one roof, with consistent imagery: the perfect collection.”

Among the best-selling items within the Loungefly portfolio this year, it has been the mini backpack range that has stood out as its leading line. Across this range – and akin to its collectables business – Funko’s Loungefly works with a broad licensing portfolio that spans the likes of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Warner Bros, DC, SpongeBob SquarePants, Hello Kitty, Pusheen, MTV, Clueless, and beyond.

“Loungefly is unique as we are a brand who collaborates with some of the world’s most loved licenses,” continued Smith. “We will continue to grow our offering and will continue to add more licenses to our already strong portfolio. We like to look for a license with an impeccable following, and who fits within our brand goals. They also, of course, need to appeal to our fanbase, who we listen to – a lot.”

Like the rest of the waking world, this year has seen Loungefly witness its biggest consumer trend within the online shopping space, and currently boasts a network of retailers 90 per cent made up of purely online players.

“To build on this from here, we will continue to push growth across the EMEA region with some key retail partners, as well as continue to expand our offering on our very own online store,” said Smith.

“Look out for a ton of new exclusives in 2021.”

Funko sees 14 per cent sales dip but CEO Brian Mariotti praises global team in a ‘challenging 2020’

Posted on by

Despite a decrease of 14 per cent in net sales in its third quarter financials year on year, Funko’s CEO Brian Mariotti has praised the efforts of the pop culture specialist’s international teams in its executions throughout a challenging 2020, and believes the firm is ‘well-positioned for the Holiday season’ with its most diverse product offering to date.

The company’s chief executive has also expressed optimism for the outfit’s Q4 2020 performance, citing expanded presence within key retailers as it makes plans to “remain agile in the face of today’s dynamic environment.”

Funko saw net sales decrease 14 per cent to $191.2 million in the third quarter of 2020 compared to $223.3 million in the same period the year prior. The decline has been primarily attributed to the slower recovery from Covid-19 impacts within the domestic specialty channel and European region.

These impacts were partially offset by growth within the domestic third party e-commerce and mass-market channel as well as the Company’s own direct-to-consumer business. Funko’s direct to consumer e-commerce sales increased more than 150 per cent compared to the year prior.

Meanwhile, Funko’s Loungefly branded products grew 25 per cent compared to 2019, driven by the momentum of Loungefly.com and within wholesale channels.

In the third quarter of 2020, the number of active properties was 715, which represents a 14 per cent increase from the third quarter of 2019.

On a geographical basis, net sales in the United States decreased four per cent to $140.9 million. Net sales internationally decreased 34 per cent to $50.3 million, reflecting more significant impacts from Covid-19 primarily within the European region.

On a product category basis, net sales of figures decreased 18 per cent to $145.0 million. Net sales of other products decreased one per cent to $46.2 million, reflecting strength in Loungefly branded products which increased 25 per cent compared to the prior year due to strong momentum on Loungefly.com as well as at wholesale retailers.

“Our teams have executed well in 2020 despite the challenges presented by the pandemic,” said Brian Mariotti, chief executive officer. “In the third quarter, we outperformed revenue expectations, reflecting strength within our domestic mass market and digital channels.

“We also maintained strong gross margins and cost controls, which allowed us to deliver improved profitability. The quarter was highlighted by our successful evergreen programs, expanded product offerings and enhanced e-commerce capabilities, all of which are enabling us to drive increased engagement with our fans around the globe.

“While we expect to face continued headwinds in specific channels and regions in the fourth quarter, we believe we are well positioned for the holiday season with our most diverse product offering yet and an expanded presence within key retail partners. Looking further ahead, we are staying focused on our four key strategies and remaining agile in the face of today’s dynamic environment.”

The Company anticipates that effects from the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to impact sales in the fourth quarter of 2020 and currently expects net sales on a percentage basis to be down 10 per cent to eight per cent compared to prior year.

Universal Pictures celebrates 35 years of Back to the Future with major campaign

Posted on by

From fan created content, Amazon exclusives, and a whole host of toys, games and more, this year, Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment are taking fans of the Back to the Future franchise on an 88mph journey across the categories to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the iconic time-travelling series.

Where we’re going, we don’t need roads… but it may be time to upgrade your television as fans around the world can now look forward to more fan-created content, as well as the 4K Ultra HD release of the Back to the Future Trilogy, so you can watch the moment George McFly lands Biff that world-celebrated bop on the conk in the clearest of definitions.

On top of this, retail exclusives and new consumer products have all been rolling out across the retail space throughout the month, ahead of the fan created Back to the Future Day holiday today, Wednesday, October 21st 2020.

“Very few franchises in Hollywood history have shown the kind of staying power of Back to the Future,” said Bob Gale, co-writer and co-producer of the trilogy.

“To be celebrating 35 years of this iconic film series – through incredible product collections and fan-created content from around the world – is truly a testament to the heart of the film itself. Yes, it’s a sci-fi adventure, but it’s also about family and the fans’ emotional connection to the characters – which is something everyone can relate to, no matter what generation or time-traveling decade you’re from.”

As part of the 35th anniversary celebrations, Universal Brand Development partnered with content creation platform Tongal to invite animators and fans from around the world to recreate their favorite scenes from the original Back to the Future film.

Eight creators – from Uruguay to Ireland to Brazil – were greenlit to bring their ideas to life. The videos have been rolling out on the Back to the Future Facebook fan page over the last few days, with a final compilation video debuting today to coincide with the anniversary.

The fan creators attached to the eight videos (+ one edited compilation) represent a global and diverse fandom of this beloved time-traveling franchise:

  • “Marty’s Dream Amp” by Javier Benia O’Neill – Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
  • “The First Time Traveller” by Elliot Ruddy – Dublin, Ireland
  • “Alien in the Barn” by Crankub Animation Studio (Martí Montañola and Sara Esteban) – Barcelona, Spain
  • “Marty McFly and the Butterfly Effect” by Bethany Borg – Malta
  • “A Visitor in the Night” by Neto Rodrigues and Gabis Fromme – São Paulo, Brazil
  • “Race for Surviving” by Calaveres Animació (Javier Asensio, María Larín, Nicole Herrera and Felipe Armand) – Valencia, Spain
  • “Fateful Punch” by Eric Power – Austin, Tex.
  • “Cardboard Cute-Out” by Team Explainly (Max Naff, Alex Hagan, Derik Smith, Sam Naff, Elizabeth Abreu, Andy Toizer and Ben Jackson) – San Francisco, Calif.
  • Compilation video edited by Firman Machda – Bandung, Indonesia

Meanwhile, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment celebrates the 35th Anniversary of the groundbreaking first film with Back to the Future: The Ultimate Trilogy available now on 4K Ultra HD for the first time. This collection includes all three movies in collectible discbook packaging.

Additionally, it is loaded with bonus material including an extra disc that comes with over an hour of new content, such as rare audition footage from Hollywood stars Ben Stiller, Kyra Sedgwick, Jon Cryer, Billy Zane, Peter DeLuise and C. Thomas Howell; a tour of the film’s props and memorabilia hosted by co-writer/producer Bob Gale; a sneak peek at the new musical show; a special episode of the popular YouTube Series “Could You Survive The Movies?;” and more.

In celebration of Back to the Future Day today, Amazon will be hosting a dedicated Back to the Future storefront, where fans of all ages can find something that will take them back in time. If fans checkout using smile.amazon.com/backtothefuture and select the “Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research” as your charity choice, a portion of sales will be donated to that charity.

It’s your kids Marty, something has to be done about your kids… and indeed, Universal has that demographic covered. First up, Playmobil has gone back to the future with a model of the iconic DeLorean that features folding wheels for hover mode, doors which open upwards, an illuminated flux capacitor inside and illuminated exterior.

Also included is plutonium, which can be inserted at the back of the vehicle. The play-set is complete with Marty Mcfly and Doc Brown in their outfits from 1985 plus a plutonium case, skateboard, remote control and Einstein, the dog.

Fans can also countdown to the holidays at 88MPH with this the Playmobil Advent Calendar: Back to the Future that includes Marty McFly, Emmett “Doc” Brown, Jennifer Parker, and Biff Tannen, along with a highly detailed model of the Hill Valley courthouse with its iconic clock tower, plus lots of accessories from the classic cult film, all with great attention to detail.

Meanwhile, Hasbro has launched the Transformers Back to the Future Gigawatt figure and IDW Comic Series, bringing together two iconic brands both in figure and comic book form for the first time.

Hasbro is in good company in the toy aisle which also features Funko’s commemorative range of character collectibles, JADA with Back to the Future vehicles and remote- control toys, puzzles from Ravensburger, Rainbow for plush and Rubber Road for adult gifting and toys.

GB Eye and Pyramid are on board for stationery and gifting and GB Eye has also taken the license for posters whilst RMS has pocket money purchases and stocking fillers covered this Christmas.

In soft lines, the HYPE Back to the Future collection nods at the franchise era, the 1980s, with expressive designs in a monochrome and neon colour palette. The HYPE. stamp features enlarged graphics, all-over prints, contrasting flames, and illusion checkerboard with a cyberpunk aesthetic, whilst embracing the ’80s grunge trend.

Funko names former Hasbro senior director Malcolm Ottley its new VP of sales for EMEA

Posted on by

Funko has appointed the former Hasbro senior director, Malcolm Ottley to the role of vice president of sales for its EMEA business, where he will take on a major strategic role heading up the outfit’s sales department.

A toy sales veteran, Ottley joins the unit from Hasbro, where he spent a ten year stint, most notably as sales director, where he lead and coached a large sales team across the UK, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. His role saw him lead and re-shape the channel and commercial strategies for specialty retailers across the European business.

Speaking of his new position, Ottley, said: “I am really excited to have joined Funko and look forward to helping build upon their excellent achievements in recent years, as well as help to shape the future direction of the business across EMEA.”

Andy Oddie, managing director of Funko (EMEA), added: “I am pleased to welcome Malcolm to the Funko family. His extensive knowledge and experience in both sales and leadership will no doubt enrich our company further.”

Smyths Toys launches Funko Pop! Vinyl to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity

Posted on by

The UK toy giant, Smyths Toys, has teamed with Funko to create a special Smyths Toys exclusive Pop! Vinyl figure of the retailer’s own mascot, Oscar in a fundraising effort for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity in support of seriously ill children across the UK.

The initiative kicked off this week, making the special Oscar Pop! Vinyl available across of of Smyths Toys Superstores in the UK. The figure retails at £9.99.

Last Christmas, Smyths Toys raised £50,000 for GOSH Charity following profits from the sales of their Oscar Plush. The retailer has now committed to donating at least £50,000 to GOSH Charity again this year.

Sinead Byrne, joint head of marketing at Smyths Toys, added: “We are delighted to launch Oscar as a Funko POP! Vinyl to bring our character Oscar to life this year. Smyths Toys is proud to partner again with GOSH Charity to help support seriously ill children from across the UK and continue to be amazed at the work the Charity carries out on a daily basis.”

Liz Tait, director of fundraising at GOSH Charity, said: “Now in the fourth year of our partnership, we are thrilled that Smyths Toys Superstores are supporting GOSH Charity once again with the launch of the Oscar POP! Vinyl. This is a brilliant opportunity for us to raise much-needed funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital, at a time when the hospital needs our support more than ever, so for that we’d like to say a huge thank you.”

Eva Verhaak, head of strategic marketing and sales – Funko EMEA, added: “Smyths Toys Superstores’ initiative to support GOSH Charity is an amazing cause and we are absolutely delighted to be part of it, working with Smyths to create an exclusive collector’s item, a POP! Vinyl figure of the well-known character, Oscar.”

Funko to launch Pokemon Pop! vinyls to European market for the first time

Posted on by

The global purveyors of pop culture, Funko has detailed what it bills a ‘monumental partnership’ for the first time in the history of the company’s European division, partnering with the Pokemon Company International to launch a Pokemon collection of Pop! Vinyl figures to the region from this October.

Pokémon, the Japanese phenomenon is one of the world’s largest entertainment franchises and has been for over 20 years. The Pokémon family of products includes video games, trading card games, an animated TV series, movies and consumer products loved the world over.

The hugely anticipated collaboration will kick off with Pikachu and Bulbasaur Pop! Vinyl figures from October, with further additions to follow in 2021. The first collection of figures will consist of a Pikachu 4” Pop! Vinyl, a Pikachu 10” Pop! Vinyl, a Bulbasaur 4” Pop! Vinyl and a Bulbasaur 10” Pop! Vinyl.

Andy Oddie, managing director of Funko (EMEA), said: “One of the most exciting new opportunities for Funko this side of the Atlantic, we are beyond delighted to bring the Pokémon Pop! Vinyl line to life for our European fans. This is just the beginning, watch this space.”

Mathieu Galante, licensing director at The Pokémon Company International (EMEA), added: “Both Pokémon and Funko are iconic pop culture brands and as such are thrilled that this collaboration will, for the first time, provide fans across Europe the opportunity to add a new dimension to their Pokémon experience.”

The Pikachu and Bulbasaur Pop! Vinyl figureswill be available to purchase from October from leading European retailers; Smyths Toys Superstores (UK & Ireland), Toys Center (Italy), Fnac (France), Müller (Germany), Salling Group – Bilka BR and Føtex (Nordics) and El Corte Inglés (Spain).

Sony Pictures details globe-spanning licensees for The Boys ahead of second season premiere

Posted on by

Sony Pictures Consumer Products has detailed a globe-spanning consumer products roster inspired by the popular Amazon Prime Video series, The Boys, ahead of the show’s second season premiere this week. Included in the roster is a selection of apparel, accessories, collectable toys, costumes, novelty and home goods.

The initial wave of products is being sold on its home platform on the Vought International themed storefront on Amazon. Select products are now available on Amazon with additional products being released throughout the year and in 2021.

On top of this, Amazon X-Ray is offering a one-of-a-kind, interactive shopping experience for fans by giving them the opportunity to purchase products they see during the second season and on the new weekly after-show “Prime Rewind: Inside the Boys.”  Using web, mobile or Fire TV, fans will be able to spot exclusive t-shirts and plush that they can take home for themselves.

“The Boys has an unconventional yet captivating story line around superheroes that you can’t find anywhere else, and we are extremely proud of the success the show has received so far. With season two coming up and season three greenlit already, we’ve been working fast and furiously to bring fans around the world products they can use to express their true fandom,” said Jamie Stevens, EVP, worldwide consumer products, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“We are thrilled by the support and seamless collaboration of all our licensees to help deliver products across various categories and allow fans to support the show in many ways. With the unique in-viewing shopping experience that Amazon is offering, we are sure that the opportunity presents even more meaningful purchases for fans.”

Funko kicks off the licensee line-up, alongside Jazwares who is developing a line of plush based directly on product seen in the series. Mad Engine has launched a collection of apparel and accessories on to Hot Topic, Spencer’s and FYE, while Ripple Junction apparel is themed on Vought International, The Seven, and The Boys. The line includes men’s and women’s t-shirts, baseball t-shirts, sweatshirts, pullover hoodies and tank tops.

Meanwhile, Spirit Halloween will feature adult costumes themed to Starlight, Homelander, and The Deep, while Universal Publishing has launched a 2021 wall calendar on Amazon.

Additional licensees for 2020 include: Culturefly accessories and Just Funky drinkware, home and novelty goods and Trends International posters. NECA is also releasing highly-detailed, fully poseable, 7” Homelander and Starlight action figures that come in premium packaging; the leading collectibles maker is working on a special product for consumers as well around the fan-favorite character Laser Baby from the first season of The Boys.

The excitement continues in 2021 with licensee Good Smile’s vinyl action figures.

Sony Pictures Consumer Products is also going beyond the US with a slew of international licensee collaborations, including: Cotton Division apparel, accessories and home goods across France, EMP Merchandising with apparel, accessories, bags and footwear across Europe, Good Speed, Inc with apparel, accessories, and novelty in Japan.

These are joined by Grupo Erik Editores with a range of posters, prints, calendars, and novelty in Andora, France, Portugal, and Spain, Pyramid Posters in Europe and the Middle East, and Ripple Junction with apparel in Germany and the UK. Finally, Sprd.Net AG has launched a range of apparel and bags in Austria, France, Germany, Switzerland, and the UK.

Sony Pictures CP details Cobra Kai product line-up as the series heads to Netflix this month

Posted on by

Sony Pictures Consumer Products has detailed a comprehensive line-up of products and partners for the two-time Emmy nominated series Cobra Kai, just as the show prepared to enter a new dojo on August 28 when the first two seasons land on Netflix.

Spanning gaming, apparel, accessories, collectable toys, publishing, costumes, home goods, and more, select products are now available in the US, with additional products being released throughout the year and into 2021. The range will be found across major retailers including Amazon, Box Lunch, FYE, GameStop, Hot Topic, Spencer’s, and Walmart.

“We are super excited to bring the first two seasons of Cobra Kai to Netflix’s massive, global audience, with a third season on its way in 2021. We are taking the show beyond the screen and into the hands of consumers through a variety of merchandise offerings, and we are honored to have such a fantastic roster of licensees to help make that happen,” said Jamie Stevens, EVP, Worldwide Consumer Products, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“With even more help from our showrunners themselves who make sure we are staying true to the DNA of Cobra Kai, we’re confident that fans everywhere will be proud to show ‘no mercy’ for their fandom by sporting these epic show-themed products.”

This year, Cobra Kai is getting the gaming treatment with a new mobile game published by Boss Team Games coming this autumn, along with a new console game from Gamemill called Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues, which launches October 27.

Bioworld has apparel including sleepwear, headwear, hoisery and accessories available now, while Contenders Clothing has launched its boxer briefs, hats, shirts, sweatshirts, and tanks. Funko’s action figures, phone accessories, backpacks, keychains, belts and buckles and hats are out now, as is the first in the comic book series from IDW Publishing.

NECA has launched a line of collectables, Party City has a Johnny Lawrence adult costume, and Spirit Halloween has a variety of adult costumes themed Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence. Surreal Entertainment has water bottles, stickers, duffle bags, wrist and headbands, while Teespring has apparel and accessories.

The Araca Group has the official Cobra Kai store featuring apparel, home decor, and accessories, while Trends International has a line of posters to collect.

Sony Pictures Consumer Products is also taking Cobra Kai beyond the US with the following international licensee collaborations: Caprice apparel (Australia, New Zealand) and Ecell Global phone and tablet accessories (France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and the UK).

Funko feels the Covid-19 impact as net sales drop 49 per cent

Posted on by

Store closures across the US and the rest of the world at the hands of the Covid-19 pandemic have ‘significantly impacted,’ second quarter results for the pop culture collectables specialist Funko. Net sales for the firm decreased 49 per cent to $98.1 million in its Q2 2020 earnings compared to the $191.2 million in the same period last year.

The year-over-year decline has been attributed primarily to impacts from Covid-19 during the quarter, including the prolonged closure of many of the company’s retail partners.

The second quarter of 2020 also saw the number of active properties total 644, decline of five per cent on Q1 2020 numbers, but an increase on the second quarter of 2019. Net sales in the US dropped 36 per cent to $77.9 million, while international net sales plunged 71 per cent to $20.2 million.

The European region was especially challenged in the quarter as Funko made the strategic decision to shift new products slated for the second quarter into the third quarter of 2020. Sales related to Loungefly branded products declined 25 per cent compared to the prior year despite many of its retailers being closed, reflecting resiliency in the Loungefly brand during the quarter.

Despite what makes for pretty grim reading, Funko is optimistic for the second half of the year, boasting what it calls its ‘most diverse product offering in the market,’ ready to land for the holiday season.

Brian Mariotti, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Although our second quarter results were significantly impacted by store closures in both the US and abroad, we were able to accelerate our connection and engagement with our fans through continued innovation and new product introductions as well as the expansion of our direct to consumer business. In Q2, we saw strong performance on our own e-commerce sites which delivered triple-digit sales growth.

“Looking at the second half of the year we are excited to have our most diverse product offering in the market come this holiday season. In the face of the highly dynamic environment, we are staying nimble and remain committed to our key growth strategies.”

Funko feels the Covid-19 impact as net sales drop 49 per cent

Posted on by

Store closures across the US and the rest of the world at the hands of the Covid-19 pandemic have ‘significantly impacted,’ second quarter results for the pop culture collectables specialist Funko. Net sales for the firm decreased 49 per cent to $98.1 million in its Q2 2020 earnings compared to the $191.2 million in the same period last year.

The year-over-year decline has been attributed primarily to impacts from Covid-19 during the quarter, including the prolonged closure of many of the company’s retail partners.

The second quarter of 2020 also saw the number of active properties total 644, decline of five per cent on Q1 2020 numbers, but an increase on the second quarter of 2019. Net sales in the US dropped 36 per cent to $77.9 million, while international net sales plunged 71 per cent to $20.2 million.

The European region was especially challenged in the quarter as Funko made the strategic decision to shift new products slated for the second quarter into the third quarter of 2020. Sales related to Loungefly branded products declined 25 per cent compared to the prior year despite many of its retailers being closed, reflecting resiliency in the Loungefly brand during the quarter.

Despite what makes for pretty grim reading, Funko is optimistic for the second half of the year, boasting what it calls its ‘most diverse product offering in the market,’ ready to land for the holiday season.

Brian Mariotti, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Although our second quarter results were significantly impacted by store closures in both the US and abroad, we were able to accelerate our connection and engagement with our fans through continued innovation and new product introductions as well as the expansion of our direct to consumer business. In Q2, we saw strong performance on our own e-commerce sites which delivered triple-digit sales growth.

“Looking at the second half of the year we are excited to have our most diverse product offering in the market come this holiday season. In the face of the highly dynamic environment, we are staying nimble and remain committed to our key growth strategies.”