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Distribution rumors - what could be next?
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:01 pm
by tko211
As both a Fan and the President of AREA-21 you guys know I have a foot in both pools so to speak. This means that many times I am on a need to know basis from 21st Management.
The following juicy bit of info does not fit neatly into the "need to know" box. I have heard bits and pieces and even seen some amount of evidence that could support the following:
It appears that in the next few weeks there will be some changes in distribution! Without all the boring details, what I can tell you is that the changes should impact fans from a positive perspective! I take that to mean that distribution is expected to improve.
In fact, If I am right, It looks like it will be a major announcement. I can't say anything more than that as I am going on a bit of a limb here. I don't wanna cross any lines. But if what I think is about to happen is about to happen.... Well it could mean great things for the hobby! -Just a heads up.
-TKO
xd
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:07 pm
by kevrut
It's been a while since we've had some news around here.
Glad to hear it.
Thanks TKO.
Kevin.
Maybe some other stores will carry XD.

Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:13 pm
by MightyMustang
Whats next? How about a B-17? Or how about BBI releasing the Hellcat? And finally how about 21st issueing a decal for the missing Old Crow name on the other side of the new Old Crow Mustang? Ok I'm getting a bit grumpy because being at work is driving me nuts! Sorry guys and sorry to TKO.

Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:18 pm
by Rowsdower
Sounds great! We sure do need better distribution.
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:19 pm
by Moth
Sounds Good
I hope 21stCT goes to TRU, I have 2 in my area
TRU should accept 21stCT's products, I remember my TRU got 20 boxes, twice, of the Meril's Marauders set and both times they sold out in a day. Glad I got one the 2nd time

Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:30 pm
by Flak Happy
Hmm... all I can think of is maybe a new retailer or is WM finally making 21st stuff available online? either one would be most welcome!! with gas hitting almost 3.50/gallon

Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:46 pm
by Morian Miner
Or maybe 21C will sell it online? Doubtful, because I can only see that hurting the small online retailers.
Anyways, can't wait to hear more.
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:56 pm
by tkjaer21
I was thinking an online 21stC shop as well.
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:57 pm
by tpa05
Moth got it first. My first thought is that TRU and 21 are runnin' to Las Vegas together as well. The only downside is there's no chance in hell that yer gonna find $15 Migs and Sabres come the end of January like many of us did earlier this year. Not only that, I've got to assume a price increase (even a slight one) for most of there products.
Maybe (hopefully) Target?
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:57 pm
by MIGMADMAVIS
Hopefully Target!!
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:04 pm
by vulgarvulture
Target is an interesting suggestion. That outfit is planning on expanding dramatically in the US.
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:09 pm
by STUKA
Problem with Target -
Walmart tends to always undercut.
Target willcprobably attempt to sell these things full retail before putting them on heavy discount.
But Target will move through product quicker.
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:09 pm
by exether_mega
will it be interesting too for us over the Pond ?
phil
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:13 pm
by tmanthegreat
I won't bother to speculate this early and on this vague of information, but any change in the distribution over what it currently is will be greatly appreciated - by me and not my bank account
Selling at another retailer would be great, but even if it was something as simple as giving the online retailers first dibs on each new release over Wal Mart would be great!
Keep us posted.
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:16 pm
by normandy
If 21st does start selling at TRU you know they won't be selling any GERMAN stuff.

Target

I have seen German armor and aircraft.
Anything that helps distribution will be welcomed no matter who sells it. Thanks for the heads up TKO.
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:19 pm
by STUKA
oh man - this could be bad for my Wallet
just yesterday I had four DAK figures and 2 black coats and could only purchase one.
I had also found some clone troopers I had been waiting for - never fails everything I look for comes out at once.
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:20 pm
by luftpanzer
Maybe the online retailers will get the new items 1st befor Walmart?
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:21 pm
by CW4USARMY
Probably the only way 21st could improve distribution would be to start selling on-line. I dont think they can influence Walmarts distribution. I dont think selling at ToysRus will help either, their distribution sucks like Walmarts!
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:39 pm
by tosborne3
Hmmmmm, I hope Target will get in on the X/D craze, but who knows. Here in the Columbus area we only have two Toys-r-us stores and they both are

PPPPPUUUUU.........

I do hope that evil wally still carrys the line also however, because the more stores that sell them the better for us X/d aholics.

This may turn out to be greeeeaaat news. Thanks TKO,

Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:43 pm
by VMF115
it's an A-10, B-17G, A-6, A-4 or who knows??????/
OK TKO gives us a better clue
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:45 pm
by VMF115
Walmart will sell them online is my guess.
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 4:38 pm
by tankduel
Maybe 21st will try the fan club thing again for Area 21 members, thats how I got my first few 21st cent items before they stopped selling.
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 5:35 pm
by USCGSARdog
Wow.... this sounds to be pretty favorable, so far. I won't speculate as to what this news could be, but ANY improvement in 21C's distribution will be a breath of fresh air. I am not pointing the finger at 21C personally for the dismal distribution of their products, I am merely stating how hard it is for the end consumer to readily buy their product. Anything that can be done to smooth the flow of product from 21C to the collectors is a step in the right direction.
-Rob
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 6:46 pm
by Teamski
mmmm..... This should be interesting.
-Ski
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 6:47 pm
by DocTodd
I sure hope they do improve distribution. It wouldn't take much to call it an improvement. I suspect WM online would be the most likely improvement but another retailer could possibly help too. Unfortunately TRU distribution is pretty suspect also, so I don't know how much that would help. Target on the other hand is pretty good with their stuff, although there could be trouble if product doesn't move well.
Todd