The vast galaxy that is ‘Star Wars’ merchandise

Global Business

A Storm Trooper stands by figurines at the Star Wars Galactic Experience at L.A. Live, in Los Angeles, California, on December 12, 2015. AFP PHOTO /VALERIE MACON / AFP / VALERIE MACON

It began with “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.” Now 38 years after “Star Wars” first hit the big screen, there is an (almost) literal galaxy of branded merchandise.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is expected to break box office records worldwide, but the bigger profit potential is from all the merchandise. Everything from Covergirl makeup to a Death Star waffle iron are being snatched up by rabid fans.

CCTV’s May Lee has more on the Star Wars’ frenzy.

Star Wars related merchandise sales boom

It began with "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away." Now 38 years after "Star Wars" first hit the big screen, there is an (almost) literal galaxy of branded merchandise.


Why ‘Star Wars’ toys are for fans of all ages

CCTV America’s Patrice Howard reports on why these pop culture toys appeal to fans and collectors young and old alike, and whether action figures can be considered art.

Why "Star Wars" toys are for fans of all ages

CCTV America's Patrice Howard reports on why these pop culture toys appeal to fans and collectors young and old alike, and whether action figures can be considered art.


‘Star Wars’ merchandise from chairs to ornaments.

 

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Box office record

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has set a box office record with an estimated $57 million from Thursday night shows. Some analysts estimate the franchise could rake in some $9.6 billion in revenue in just its first year.

The Walt Disney Co.’s estimate on Friday easily surpassed the previous Thursday night record of $43.5 million by 2011’s “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.”

The movie’s international rollout, which began Wednesday, has brought in a total of $72.7 million. That includes the biggest single day ever in the United Kingdom, where it made an estimated $14.4 million. The film cost about $200 million to make, according to industry estimates.

The early figures suggest “The Force Awakens” is on course to exceed the record domestic opening of “Jurassic World,” which debuted with $208.8 million in June.

In North America, the film sold a record $100 million worth of presale tickets before Thursday previews began at approximately 7 p.m. EST. Playing in 4,134 theaters, “The Force Awakens” is the widest December release ever attempted.

Associated Press


Toy analyst Jason Moser on “Star Wars” as a brand

For more, CCTV America was joined by Jason Moser. He’s a toy analysts at The Motley Fool, which specializes in financial education.

Toy analyst Jason Moser on \"Star Wars\" as a brand

For more, CCTV America was joined by Jason Moser. He's a toy analysts at The Motley Fool, which specializes in financial education.