The new collectible lines provide premium and novel stocking-filler solutions.
Bandai UK will be launching some of its new collectible ranges and key brand expansions ready to hit shelves in time for the Christmas gift-buying period.
Freak Lab is a new own-IP joining the Bandai portfolio, bringing a mix of experimentation, creation, and gross fun to the boys’ collectibles category. The blind-purchase canisters include ingredients for children to carry out their own experiments and create monsters. Kids pour water onto the solution included in the laboratory chamber canisters and then watch it fizz, bubble, and dissolve to reveal the bones of a freaky monster. There are six different monsters and a rare character to collect, each in a variety of colour-ways. Each monster collected can be combined to create a giant ‘freak’ character. There are over 24 to collect in series one, each with an RRP of £9.99.
Also new to Bandai’s portfolio is the Yolkies line. Combining sugar free, edible slime and collectible surprise toys encased in mystery eggs, Yolkies are set to drive impulse purchasing among younger children. Capturing the popular slime surprise reveal, and collectibles trends, each egg contains edible slime/gummy yolk, and a secret compartment with one of 12 collectible ‘foodie’ egg characters. With an RRP of £4.99, Yolkies provide an original addition within the sub-£5 pocket money and treat purchase categories. Series two will launch for Q2 2020.
Series four of one of Bandai’s best-selling properties, Bananas, is available to meet the Christmas wish-list demand. The latest wave of the peelable, collectible fruits brings ‘Colourfest’ Bananas bunches and singles, which include new ‘mummy’ Crushie collectible characters that correspond with ‘baby’ Crushies and can be collected from the new line of Baby Bananas. Extending the fruit collection, Pineapples accompany the Series four launch, and new plush Bananas have been added to the range which can be unzipped to reveal one of six 4” collectible Plushie Crushies.
Kirsty Mackenzie, marketing manager, Bandai UK, said: “Our collectibles ranges are a popular and successful component of our product portfolio and a key growth driver for the business. Freak Lab, Yolkies and Bananas all sit within the sub-‐£10 price category, bringing great value for money and original ways to play.”
