2014 marks the ”Thrilling 30th” anniversary for the Transformers brand, along with the release of Age of Extinction, so it’s a no-brainer that Hasbro has some big things to debut. Jay Duke, VP of global Transformers brand marketing at Hasbro, feels that the Transformers brand offers ever-expanding ways for fans to be entertained. In the January/February issue of ToyNews Online, Duke says:
The Transformers brand brings all new ways to be entertained and engage with the brand. Transformers: Age of Extinction will do this, as Michael Bay outlines with an all new storyline. … With a new movie, kids and fans can anticipate an innovative new product line and a variety of entertainment experiences.
Hasbro is a major sponsor of the UK Toy Fair this year, so we can anticipate an extensive array of new product to be displayed. Some things we can expect to see previewed at the toy fair include bicycles, toys, figures, games, and costumes, as well as 30th Anniversary toys and merchandise celebrating the anniversary of the franchise.
Here are some retailers that we can expect to showcase Transformers merchandise:
- Paladone Products (Stall B30) will debut a total of thirty characters, split right down the middle with fifteen Age of Extinction characters and fifteen 30th Anniversary figures.
- IMC Toys (Stall E129) has obtained a Transformers brand license for this year. Look to them for Transformers 4 Walkie-Talkes, Playsets, and RC Cars.
- MV Sports (Stall B30) will be showing off Transformers bicycles.
- Winning Moves (Stall D17) will offer Transformers 4 board games.
Other merchandise to look forward to in the upcoming months outside of the 2014 UK Toy Fair include Rubie’s brand costumes, based on Transformers: Age of Extinction. They will likely showcase Optimus Prime and Bumblebee costumes at shows in late January and early February. We can expect to see even more products start to emerge in the next few months—items like bedroom and bathroom items, role playing items, more bicycles, and even scooters.
Not only is the 30th Anniversary sure to bring an influx of exciting new products, but the release of Age of Extinction will bring with it loads of new Transformer brand merch. This is only the beginning—keep an eye out as we continue to bring you updates leading up to the release of Age of Extinction and beyond.