Unimax' Shifting Winds of War

[lightning2000]

<b> Unimax' Shifting Winds of War</b><br>
In today's ever-challenging economic landscape, several longstanding toy manufacturers have had to reassess their business model to keep up with the fragile retail and e-tail worlds. In the case of <b>Unimax</b>, the makers of the wildly popular Forces of Valor and Bravo Team range of military miniatures, 2009 looks to be a year of significant change, one which they believe will bring about a redefined focus and stronger financial outlook going forward.

According to well placed sources within the company, <b>Unimax</b> has ceased manufacturing of their 1:32 scale, action grade, diecast Forces of Valor products -- the kind commonly found in such mass merchants as Target and Toys R Us -- in favor of the all-plastic 1:18 scale Bravo Team (Target Exclusive) and Assault Forces (other mass merchant retailers) military-themed brands. Looking ahead, the Company will still produce the 1:32 scale diecast enthusiast grade of Forces of Valor products for their ever growing online e-tailer and specialist retailer network. The Company cites demographic issues as a key concern for both the manufacturer and its retailing network, with kids tending to purchase the bulk of the modern era products and the older hobbyists and military enthusiasts opting for the World War II series. Having said that, the manufacturer will no longer be offering any World War II-based Bravo Team vehicles or figures to its mass merchant retail segment and instead offer them solely to the e-tailers and hobby shops. Only the modern era vehicles will be found at the mass merchants, an evolutionary shift in their selling strategy that was brought about by skewing marketing trends that was becoming acute at the retail level.

Frankly, we welcome the change in focus at <b>Unimax</b>, since it should cut down on the amount of overlap and confusion caused by offering both an action and enthusiast grade of similar products. Likewise, this shift will enable retailers such as ourselves to now carry their larger 1:18 scale WWII-themed products without having to compete with deep discount chains who may or may not have the same product at any given time.....<i>[posted 7/28/2009]</i>

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.net

[MG-42]

* You can kiss the deals goodbye now.



- Mitch v MG

[tmanthegreat]

It is sad to see the action grade being phased out now (guess thats why there were all the K-Mart sales) but I am relieved to see that they are not canceling the 1:32 Forces of Valor line all together. Too many more interesting tanks that they have to make. Hopefully, they will up the quality of the Bravo Team vehicles in all scales and 1:32 figures with a little more detail and workmanship.

[snake]

Glad to hear that they will still produce the 1:32 enthusiast line.

They are the only armour that I have,and I think that they are very good value for the money.Still have a couple to pick up,particularly the Jagdpanther.

[dragon53]

So when are the new FOV 1/72 silver B-26 Marauder and silver B-25 Mitchell going to be released?

[dragon53]

SNAKE:

Which Jagdpanther are you going to buy?

[snake]

dragon53,
I think all three versions look great.I would be happy with any one of them.

I also need to pick up an Elefant.Glad they did this one.

[Rowsdower]

Well, 21st century and now Action Series FOV are history. It sure was nice being able to buy a vehicle for under $30 and weather it yourself just the way you want it instead of hoping the Chinese sweatshop didn't screw up the finish on your Panzer.

I could swing $15-$20 for 32x armor and even $40ish for enthusiast FOV but it seem they just keep increasing their prices with no corresponding increase in quality and it seems with less die cast on each new release..

[Hanomag]

Well this is better than what happened to 21st. Maybe now they can focus on the enthusiast versions more and turn out better products.


It's odd that there is some easy mods for them do and yet have not done so. Such as the Calliope and 4 or 5 different Sdkfz 251s.

-H