[siddarth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Moore

I think the problem with MOTU in general is that it's a very 80's concept that hasn't found the right niche in today's market. If they could ever get a movie off the ground, it would bring in people who had forgotten the line, and don't visit sites like this.

I also think Mattel was burned the last 2 attempts to get MOTU on shelves. First in 2000 when the reissues completely bombed and then in 2002-2003 with the new line. It didn't help that poor case assortments led to dwindling sales which led to shrinking distribution. Both Mattel and retailers are likely hesitant to go down that road until there is a real value to do so (movie, new tv show, etc.).

Retail would kill MOTU Classics whether it was retail wide or just an exclusive with Toys R Us. The main issues would be distribution and case assortment. There are not enough Toys R Us stores around the country and while WM has the most stores, the distribution would be horrible. Most would be lucky to ever see all or even most of the figures.

Case assortment would be a problem. I believe the He-Mans and Skeletors would sell but you would end up with pegs full of Stratos or Zodak. And once the pegs are warming, we all know that seeing new product screeches to a halt.

At least under the exclusive online side, the option is there (though rather short for some figures) to order and the subscription service for 2011 covers nearly everything.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Moore

I definitely agree that Mattel has been their own worst enemy over the last 10 or so years.

While we are not privy to the boardroom discussions of Mattel, I am sure they are well aware of the track history of their retail lines. Might be a big reason that MOTU Classics has not moved to the big box chains.

Once Matty releases these to retail, they lose most of the control they have over the line. Manufacturing schedules have to be augmented to continually produce certain core characters. Pegwarming of certain less popular figures inhibits good distribution. Lesser known characters may get cut from the line altogether.

To this point, MC's plan with this line has worked well for them. They are not sitting on a ton of leftover product. They can produce lesser know characters, ie Chief Carnivus, and have them sell out. They're offering accessory packs, larger figures and beasts to augment the line. Plus, there's a possibility of vehicles in the future.

I think Mattel has this line well under control. They have figures planned out to 2016, I think, and they are reissuing figures to help fill the voids for collectors that don't want to go to the secondary market.

I do have one complaint, the stands. There have been positive and negative things about them but this is one item that should just be in stock. They sold out very fast in their first run. This is a basic item that should just be available.

Actually, they should also be offering some kind of protective case but that's another issue.