Netflix Opens an Online Shop To Hawk Items From Popular Shows (bloomberg.com) 26
Netflix is branching into toys, games and clothing based on its popular shows, looking to mine popular characters for added revenue much like Walt Disney. From a report: The streaming service is launching Netflix.shop, a retail arm that will sell curated products from its catalog of shows and movies. As part of the launch, Netflix is introducing a collection of anime-inspired products, according to a statement Thursday. Products from other programs are in the works, too. The move into merchandising is a logical extension for Netflix. Other major studios generate billions of dollars in revenue from toys, collectibles and other goods based on popular characters and shows. [...] The shop will open in the U.S. before expanding to other countries, Netflix said.
It sounds like a plan (Score:4, Funny)
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"Netflix Opens an ***Online Shop*** to Hawk Items From Popular Shows".
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About Time (Score:4, Interesting)
Years ago I realized that movie theaters were leaving money on the table by not having a movie store where you could buy merchandise from the movie you just saw as you leave the theater. At a minimum, they should have had CDs of the soundtracks (I was saying this back when people bought CDs). So this linking of selling merchandise directly to watching a movie is something I've been expecting for decades.
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True, but they could work out deals where they don't pay for what doesn't sell. And for many movies, there would only be the soundtrack. So maybe they could have started with just having the movie soundtrack CDs for sale. They could even have the concessions workers manage the sales, so the added overhead would be minimal. Or get CD vending machines.
It's a little late now.
Re: About Time (Score:2)
It's hard to keep good stock levels for something that isn't your prime seller. They could certainly try leasing some space to Hollywood partners, but buying wholesale and selling retail is probably going to end up with a lot of unmoved inventory.
It's a good idea, but tough to implement.
Re:About Time (Score:5, Interesting)
The problem always was distribution. Soundtracks come from a ton of distributors and often times, they're not out when the movie comes out. Usually they come out after the movie's theatrical run, or come out the weeks before, rarely do you get a simultaneous release (note: soundtracks are typically recorded in a special recording session because the audio stems to which the movie is mixed is unsuitable for listening - so instead the composer bundles the stems into one coherent music track based on what was arranged).
It makes sense in the end, but movie merch is fickle and often the studios want to keep the money to themselves while what the theatres would get would be what's in other stores already, either being clearanced out or other thing.
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It would probably really only work well if you set up your cinema layout so that your customers could only exit through the gift shop.
Orly? (Score:1, Interesting)
Re: Orly? (Score:2)
I believe their legal team vetoed marketing's plan for Cuties-themed inflatable dolls.
Wait...in the distance... (Score:2)
Is that a shark I see? And a motorcycle?
Or just a lifestyle brand?
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Is that a shark I see? And a motorcycle?
I believe. You mean a shark and some waterskis.
Source? I watched it when it first aired.
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Is that a shark I see? And a motorcycle?
Heyyyy!! How you doin?
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She-Ra (Score:3)
You too can...! (Score:2)
You too can look like a walking bill board by buying one of our shirts! Or perhaps you'd like your home to look like an advertisement for our shows and movies instead?!
May the Schwartz be with them! (Score:2)
"Merchandising! Merchandising, where the real money from the movie is made! Netflix - the T-shirt, Netflix - the Coloring Book, Netflix - the Lunch box, Netflix - the Breakfast Cereal, Netflix - the Flame Thrower." - Yogurt, Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money.
Would be freakin' hilarious to see Netflix fund this sequel, but Disney would never agree...
Hey, how about it Disney? Make it yourself perhaps maybe?
Bernays (Score:2)
The father of PR, Edward Bernays opens his Propaganda (1928) book with
> The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country.
Bernays' grand-nephew Marc Bernays Randolph went on to found Netflix.
They both enjoy bagels and not Christmas.
https://archive.org/details/Be... [archive.org]
problem (Score:1)
Netflix comedy movies (Score:1)