Why Fingerlings collectibles have that magic touch

With WowWee's breakout collectibles making big moves ahead of the holidays, both analysts and the IP's creator weigh in on the high demand for the low-tech toy.
October 26, 2017

After making its mark on the interactive space with AI robots like CHiP and remote-controlled vehicles, you can say that Montreal-based toyco WowWee is seeing more than a touch of success with Fingerlings, the company’s new animatronic toy that attaches to a child’s fingers.

While Fingerlings is decidedly low tech compared to WowWee’s other robotic offerings, it is laced with interactive features. When a child pets or taps on the animal, it responds by blinking its eyes or moving its head, for example. There are more than 40 different reactions that children can incite by doing things like petting it and blowing kisses.

Topping Toys “R” Us, Amazon and Walmart’s lists of hot holiday toys, the US$14.99 plaything has been flying off store shelves and leaving analysts like The NPD Group’s Juli Lennett turning their heads. “It is already selling so well, so I don’t think I’m reaching too far on expecting it to be one of the top toys of Christmas this year,” says Lennett. “There are some things that just do well out of the gate, and I fully expect that that will carry on into November and December when it really counts. It is currently one of the fastest-selling toys in the industry as of our latest data.”

Notably, more than 100,000 Fingerlings monkeys were sold in the US within a week of their August debut and Fingerlings unicorns, exclusive to Toys “R” Us, are fully sold out and awaiting a restock.

“For August and September, it was ranking as number two in terms of total sales for all toys in the toy industry,” says Lennett, attributing the toy’s size and price-point for its initial success. It is also gender-neutral and can work across age ranges. “A three-year-old child could put it on their finger and be totally surprised and enamored, but a tween could also feel the same way. When it hits both genders and multiple ages, it’s really competing with everything,” says Lennett.

Fingerlings was first released in March in the UK, followed by Canada and the US in April. It has since launched in Benelux, Australia and France, with other roll-outs delayed by the large demand in countries it’s already been released. (It became so popular in Australia that retailers which under-bought the item and are now sold out for the rest of the year.) In North America, it is currently available at toy stores including Toys “R” Us, Mastermind, Walmart, Amazon and Target.

According to Fingerlings creator and WowWee brand guru Sydney Wiseman, the toy is inspired by a real-life animal called a finger monkey.

“I kept asking if the technology was small enough that we could make our version, and finally it was,” says Wiseman. “Wearables are so popular in general, but I don’t think it was ever done properly with a toy. And I think there was something about the fact that you can wear it on your finger that made it quirky and unique.”

WowWee is currently working on other animals and colors to be released soon. There are also playsets available, including monkey bars, which further feed into the collectible element that is still so popular right now.

“The collectible space may be slowing down in terms of growth, but it’s still really, really big. In fact, collectibles now makes up about 10% of all toy sales,” says Lennett.

In ramping things up before the holidays, WowWee has signed on L.A.-based licensing agency Striker Entertainment to develop and implement a global licensing strategy and expand on the growing consumer interest for additional categories using the characters. In addition to TV advertising, WowWee will also continue to work with influencers like MacKenzie ZieglerForEverAndForAva,and the Mommy and Gracie Show to propel social media momentum for the IP.

 

 

About The Author
Alexandra Whyte is Kidscreen's News & Social Media Editor. Contact her at awhyte@brunico.com

Search

Menu

Brand Menu