More than 3,000 retail locations in the U.S. alone opened at midnight Friday to celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens products.

April 6, 2018

3 Min Read

Retailers around the globe stock up on Episode VII merchandise.

More than 3,000 retail locations in the U.S. alone opened at midnight Friday to celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens products.

The events were part of a global celebration, dubbed Force Friday that was kicked off by an 18-hour online toy "unboxing" event on YouTube Thursday.

Among the U.S. retailers featuring Star Wars: The Force Awakens products are Amazon, Kohl’s, Target, Toys 'R' Us, Walmart, Disney Store, Petco, J. Crew, Pottery Barn Kids, J.C. Penney, Best Buy and Barnes & Noble.

“We’ve been working closely with the filmmakers to bring the characters and storylines from Star Wars: The Force Awakens to life through an exciting array of products, and we’re thrilled to share them with fans around the world,” says Leslie Ferraro, co-chair, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, and president, Disney Consumer Products.

A second wave of products will be released closer to the film's Dec. 18 debut, as well as play set for Disney Infinity 3.0 based on the new film.

Hot Wheels also celebrated Force Friday in partnership with Uber, taking over the streets of New York City with a fleet of Stormtrooper cars. Uber customers got the chance to catch a free ride in a Dodge Charger styled after Hot Wheels’ new First Order Stormtrooper character car.

In addition to toys, products from an array of categories, including apparel, home décor, lifestyle accessories and books, are now on shelves worldwide.

Highlights from the U.S. merchandise line include:

  • Exclusive merchandise from Disney Store such as role play items, talking action figures and figure play sets, along with themed apparel, tech accessories, mugs, journals and more.

  • Apparel for men, women and kids at J. Crew featuring the “Chewie, we’re home” from the Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser trailer.

  • A Star Wars collection of Rock & Republic women's apparel and Mighty Fine junior's apparel featuring graphic tees, leggings, sweatshirts, hoodies and dresses, available at Kohl’s.

  • The ultimate Millennium Falcon children’s bed from Pottery Barn Kids.

  • Homewares featuring new characters from the Dark Side, such as First Order Stormtroopers and Kylo Ren, at J.C. Penney.

  • Cufflinks Inc. released a line of Star Wars: Episode VII-inspired cufflinks at retailers across the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia. The line is now available at Neiman Marcus, Bed Bath & Beyond, Kohl's, Cufflinks.com and at Disney theme parks and cruises.

  • Uncle Milton unveiled a range of Star Wars-themed science products including an interactive hologram experience, functioning Jedi Holocron and a Millennium Falcon UV Light Laser that lets kids create their own light battles.

  • Toys, books, DVDs and collectibles such as Funko Pop! vinyl figures, cardboard standees, mugs and the BB-8 app-enabled droid from Sphero, which lets fans interact with the newest Star Wars sidekick at Barnes & Noble.

  • A full range of cars, starships and track sets from Hot Wheels including car versions of popular characters including R2-D2, a Stormtrooper, Kylo Ren and BB-8.

  • Fuhu released a The Force Star Wars accessory bundle along with its new collector’s edition Nabi kids' tablet. Available in two themes, Dark Side or Light Side, the bundles feature sound effects, themed wallpapers, tablet stickers and themed bumpers, available now at Best Buy.

  • Vandor launched a line of Star Wars: The Force Awakens totes, mugs and cup.

  • Tervis released a new range of Force Awakens tumblers.

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