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Mattel Disney Pixar Diecast CARS: Macy’s & the Launchers

From “BMW,” ….

“I called 4 Macy’s today here in Houston with the UPC codes, and found out that they just finished inventory. The Mattel cases they had over the holidays turns out were seasonal items only, not regular inventory stock.

I spoke with two managers at two separate stores and got the same exact answers as to why the Vitoline, Shifty Drug and Tank Coat launchers are no longer in stock even though the computers show they have them. The management returned all unsold stock back to the manufacturer. One lady in Girls Accessories where they had them for sale before Christmas, said the computers were still being updated so she could not trust the quantities shown as being true stock items. They even checked the stockroom for me and called me back from each store about an hour later. This was before I talked to a manager to find out that indeed their agreement was to return unsold items. None of the stores showed much “inventory” regardless, only 4 units at one 9 units at another 3 at another Macys.

So I wonder what Mattel will do with the unsold Macy’s B case launchers? Will they turn up later in another case?

I have never heard about return to manufacturer before. Strange agreement? One lady mentioned that they flew off the shelves before Christmas.”

I don’t know the full details of the arrangement but my guess is that Macy’s either worked out a revenue sharing agreement with a 3rd party “racker” or “rack jobber,” or perhaps simply “rented” out that portion of the stores to a 3rd party company … so after Christmas, they simply packed up everything that was left. I did not actually go into Macy’s to look – it’s possible this was arranged with Mattel & Mattel’s service reps – did they only carry Mattel toys? (Hot Wheels, Tyco, Matchbox, Barbie?) But again, most likely a third party.

And yes, it’s very, very unlikely that it was returned to Mattel. Even if a line is a disaster, there’s not much toy returns. There is finger ponting, name calling and “rebates,” but rarely actual returns 🙂 (except for a recall).

My guess is that the third party company is going to pick through what’s left – most of it will probably end up being re-sent to drug stores who also generally relies on a third party company to pick out toys for them anyway or discounted at your favorite remainder store.