Watto - Gentle Giant - Mini Busts (2012)
Star Wars Collectible News, Photos, and Reviews

We're Doomed: No Figures, No Distribution, Hasbro Cares Less

Posted by Paul | June 15, 2012 at 05:25 PM ET

All of us have been increasingly deflated over the horrible attention given to The Vintage Collection this year by retail and Hasbro. We're at a loss at who we should be pointing our fingers at anymore to be honest. The greatest packaging and collection of all time is being so incredibly mistreated, it's become egregious at this point. We have called you to action, our readers who post comments have echoed our sentiments exactly, and now JTA reader William W. has taken it upon himself to reach out to contact Hasbro directly. The answers he receives are baffling. We don't claim to know what the answers are anymore, but we do know that squeaky wheels get the grease. (That's how the Gamorrean Guard and Wedge Antilles figures got reshipped.) But I personally find it completely backwards and infuriating that I have purchased the last 15 or so latest TVC figures from the UK with free shipping. Um, Hasbro, do you NOT see a problem with this? Click through to read all about William's experience. He even received a letter from Hasbro on their letterhead. Check it out.

William writes:

To the Star Wars Collecting Community,

I have attached a letter that I sent to Hasbro, Inc. and to their Consumer Affairs Dept. as well as the Response letter that I received from Consumer Affairs.

The response while appreciated was certainly not sufficent enough for me. I like many of you have been collecting since 1995 and feel that we are simply taken for granted. It also confirms my long held suspicions that one hand doesn't know what the other is doing.

Hasbro now fancies its self as more than just a toy company. "Battleship" as a movie? Enough said. "Star Wars" unfortunately has taken a backseat. I honestly don't know how long the toy line can last. Lucas is moving away from it and Lucasfilm which is the first blow. It has been seven years since "ROTS" and no date announced for "AOTC" in 3D release. I enjoy "Clone Wars" as a show but collect only figures and other items based on the six films.

Adult Collectors are the only ones who can do what is needed in order to keep this line
afloat. Right now the Vintage Collection has an Albatross around it's neck know as "The Phantom Menace" wave. I wish something could be worked out with discounters like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross and Five Below. But, I think that's only a dream.

Here is the contact information for Hasbro:

CORPORATE ADDRESS AND PHONE:
Hasbro, Inc.
1027 Newport Avenue
Pawtucket, RI 02862
(401) 431-8697

CONSUMER AFFAIRS:
Hasbro, Inc.
Consumer Affairs
P.O. Box 200
Dept. C-847
Pawtucket, RI 02862-0200
1-800-242-7276 (from the bottom of the letter that I received)

Please post this response letter from Hasbro. Having not seen a new Vintage Wave figure since "TPM" wave isn't just an isolated event. We have to let Hasbro know of our "observations" as the Hasbro Representive put it.

Thank you,
William

May The Force Be With Us All

William writes to Hasbro:

To Whom It May Concern,

For the past four months I have not seen one new figure from the Star Wars Vintage Collection at Target, Toys R Us or Walmart. This began in Florida during the months of February, March and April. I have been in Connecticut since the beginning of May. The only figures that I do find are from the first wave of 2012. These are the “Phantom Menace” figures which are still abundant at nearly all of these major retail stores.

I know that the waves following the “Phantom Menace” wave are available or at least should be since online companies like Entertainment Earth are selling them and have them in stock. Buying a full case of 12 figures for $129.99 plus shipping that includes several carry over figures from the easy to find “Phantom Menace” is out of the question since I and other collectors have these. I purchased them immediately following the January 30 street date.

My question like so many others is a simple one. Where are Waves 2, 3, 4? Why has there been little to no new Star Wars product on the shelves in the past four months? I have read of a handful of sporadic sightings in the West and Midwest.

I have been collecting this line since its modern inception back in 1995. Along the way there have been a few short delays, but I’ve always been able to find what I’m looking for. It has never been this difficult. A hobby that used to be fun and even exciting has become frustrating to a point that I consider quitting for good.

This is a feeling that many share as I frequently visit websites that are dedicated to Star Wars Collecting. Rebelscum.com, Yakface.com and Galatichunter.com to name a few. I have included two Q & A’s from another website that shares my concern (see attachment).

I have also found that the recently re-launched Marvel Legends figures are nearly impossible to find. A line that I want to collect since I have all of the previous figures from both Toy Biz and Hasbro. I was also at a Target today (June 5th) in either Trumbull or Ansonia, CT and their Avengers section looked as if it had never been stocked. It’s not a line that I collect, but I find it strange that product should be that scarce. It was a very large and barren section of the aisle.

I visit stores over Western Connecticut and it is the same every where. No new Vintage Collection figures. Little to no Marvel Legends. Some Walmarts and Targets don’t carry Marvel Legends at all. I’m really at a loss to understand why it has become impossible to find anything at retail anymore.

This is a serious problem that I would think Hasbro would want to remedy post haste. From what I’ve been reading on website forums, it seems that some collectors are quitting. Some already have and are selling off their collections. I know that collectors represent a substantial portion when it comes to the Vintage Collection. It is regrettable that it and the Star Wars line as a whole seems to be forgotten.

There is still a considerable amount of interest in the line. Still plenty of figures, vehicles and playsets (which are rarely made) that could be produced and sold. However…it is all for nothing if the merchandise cannot find its way into the hands of the consumer.

I would greatly appreciate a response to this letter. I feel that myself and your other long time and loyal Customers deserve an answer as to what is happening. I want to know if your company cares about this mutual relationship.

Thank you,
William Warner

The canned response:

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