Permanent Pricing Changes

[STL]

Yeah, I was going to query that too. I thought originally the price of $12 for Robot Heroes was a reflection of the mid range price. One thing about higher hasbro prices though is that it makes the alternative, where possible, Japanese versions more desirable.

[Defcon]

price comparison for deluxes best to worst...

Big W 25.44
Kmart 28.99
Target 28.99 ??
David Jones 29.99
Myer 29.99 ??
Toys R Us ??
Mr Toys Toyworld ??

?? I'm not sure of price
Big W seems to the best at the moment.

Transformers Crossovers

Big W $29.99
Kmart $32.99

[jaydisc]

In Hasbro's US Toy Fair Press Release:

TRANSFORMERS UNIVERSE 25th ANNIVERSARY FIGURES – DELUXE AND VOYAGER
Approximate Retail price: DELUXE scale $12.99; VOYAGER scale $22.99; Ages 5 & up; Available: First waves in January 2009, with additional waves released throughout spring.

That's of course USD, but I think the price hike is quite official now.

[griffin]

A 30% increase in US retail pricing for deluxes is a bit ominous. That'd be like having to pay close to $40 for a deluxe here if our prices went up by the same percentage.

[Golden Phoenix]

A 30% increase in US retail pricing for deluxes is a bit ominous. That'd be like having to pay close to $40 for a deluxe here if our prices went up by the same percentage.

um.....Myer has Animated Deluxes at $40 each

[STL]

I find it strange that Hasbro can raise its prices in such an economic climate. To me it seems to say that Hasbro is very confident of the TF brand and its direction. Otherwise, its pretty suicidal at this time.

[Defcon]

I'm not overly confident in the transformers brand. However, the upcoming movie will put transformers in the spotlight again. With this alone they will move alot of stock. I personally think the universe line has been marred by some cybertronian repaints such as Blaster, Heavy Load, these just look so unappealing and are shelf warming, same goes for animated Leader class Ultra Magnus ,ah moving off topic...

I have noticed stock only really moves during sales, unless its a new wave. Otherwise it just sits there. Expensive ultras just sit on the shelf. Seriously these are expensive childrens toys.
Even when something is on sale though retailers are still making profits, unless its drastically reduced on clearance.

At severe markup prices I wont be buying as much. It's easy to buy more when something is at a lower price ie 'impulse buy'.
Expensive items you think about more and in the end you may just walk away.
If the paint decos look like quality and interactive accessories are included, like targetmasters, minions, props, mini figures, cool weapons etc. I may be swayed to buy. Most people want value for the money they spend.
Sorry long post.

[Paulbot]

Noticed both Animated and Universe deluxes for $28.99 and the Crossover Transformers for $34.99 at K-Mart.

[STL]

Noticed both Animated and Universe deluxes for $28.99 and the Crossover Transformers for $34.99 at K-Mart.

That's two price rises for K-Mart Crossover toys. The first was from $30 to $33. Now another hike. That means TRU prices shld be higher. This isn't good.

[i_amtrunks]

Noticed both Animated and Universe deluxes for $28.99 and the Crossover Transformers for $34.99 at K-Mart.

So another $1 for Deluxes and another $2 for the crossovers?

I guess Target and TRU will follow suit in the near future?

To think the first wave of Universe/Classics figures were only $25 for the deluxes... and Cybertron about $23 at Kmart.