Super7 Announces Distribution Network! Not to sound like too much of a formal of a press release, but here you go: Beginning January 1st, 2008, Super7 will begin exclusive distribution of it's own created product (Ghost Land, etc.) as well as key Japanese toy companies to select partner stores across the United States and abroad. From Japan, Super7 will be bringing many of their long-term partner and collaborative Japanese companies for wider distribution, including: Secret Base, Gargamel, RealxHead, Rumble Monsters, Cronic, Skull Toys, Anraku Ansaku, Buster Call, Pop Soda and Ichiban-boshi. With this agreement, distribution partners will now be able to release each toy release domestically at the same exact time that these figures are released in Japan, therefore granting collectors and fans greater access than ever before to these exciting figures. Super7 distribution partner stores were chosen with careful consideration to their understanding and dedication to promoting Japanese vinyl toy companies and Super7 over the years, as well as being owned and run by toy enthusiasts with discerning taste and style. Partner stores are: Rotofugi (Chicago), Toy Tokyo (NYC), Giant Robot (LA, SL, SF, NY), Ultra Pop (KY), WTHN (PA) and Lulubell (AZ). We look forward to working with these stores to bringing great toys to collectors in the new year! -Your friends at Super7
So if the Japanese companies mentioned are now going to be sold at 10 stores instead of one (or two), will production numbers increase or will every store will get just a few? (ie 50/10 = 5 per store vs 400/10 = 40 per store)
A little of both biff. Full color Rebel Ink was released in 07, so no dice. (we were supposed to get it, but it oversold in Tokyo. Sorry!)
Great news for the domestic market, but spreading the good stuff thinner could make it even harder for the International collector . . .
true. I worry about how this will affect the "market". You guys thought the mook would pique interest...better clamor for those older figures NOW!
Did you all actually think this particular market would stay niche and small forever ?? It was just a matter of time before it blew up, I'm just glad that S7 is the one who is in control of the US marketing. Just imagine if KR was incharge !
Can I vote for Atomic Pop in Baltimore being brought in as a partner? They hosted the Toypunks premiere and are a great shop, but need more of the Japanese stuff to balance out the western vinyl. Ben is the guy who runs it. It also happens to be around the corner from my office, which is nice.
Sounds interesting. A few questions: Will S7 be responsible for setting the prices on items on this side of the ocean and will these prices be standard across the board? What is to become of stores that are currently distributing certain JP vinyl that are not on the partner list? Will they no longer be allowed to sell this stuff? In your opinion will this move make it easier for us to get the stuff we're after?