Retail Distribution Proves The “Weakest Link” Adage

This is a follow-up to yesterday's article calling for Hasbro to recall TVC wave 1. In that article I opined that Hasbro's ability to control the distribution woes is limited. In fact, I have to imagine they are just as frustrated as collectors when their retail partners stumble in their attempt to bring the product to the sales floor. I offer the following as a prime example. Both the Target website and Brick Seek show this particular store has the TVC Han Solo Stormtrooper in stock. But when you navigate to the Father's Day display, you are greeted with Solo Movie shampoo bottles and husky khaki shorts.



I know collectors get frustrated with this, but it's a reminder that selling these exclusives are not the top priority for these giant retail chains. Target's annual gross revenue is $23 billion. The $100 of abandoned Han Solo figures isn't going to be a top priority. The real purpose of these exclusives is to get exposure for the retail giant's respective websites as they prepare to wage war with Amazon on the 21st century retail battleground. We should expect more of this.

Despite this, I will continue to say, "It's better than not getting these items at all. A LOT better."

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