Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by Scarynic Sat Apr 16, 2011 10:22 am
(Anyone wants a Windcharger is I find any drop me a message and will do my best.)
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by ninjascythe79 Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:03 am
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by It Is Him Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:08 am
Thank you for turning a sticking point for many collectors into a thoughtful, intelligent, and constructive way to discuss the distribution problem. This is one of the best news posts I've read on Seibertron, and hopefully many of us are learning why we're not seeing the toys we want to see on our shelves. It's posts like these that make Seibertron.com the best Transformers fan site on the net.
Guitarbot wrote:HI everyone - I'm a long time reader, first time poster
This was an excellent article. Just from my own perspective, in Northern NJ, Walmart and Target shelves are still full of Tuner Mudflaps from ROTF. There have been a few shocks of new product - a local TRU had a giant end-of-aisle display of RTS Wave 1 & 2 (Tracks, Jazz, G2OP, WreckGar, Perceptor, and Bee) which sold out in less than a week.. however, now all the new product is gone and there are STILL giant piles of ROTF TRU exclusives and voyagers. At least they're starting to put them on markdown.. and they also have lots of TRU Rodimus Minors left, as well.
I work in distribution in the Fashion industry and I see a lot of the same trends that are described in Hasbro's annual report. Retail chains are carrying much lower inventories to remain lean, keep liability off the books, and react to trends; they expect suppliers to deliver goods on the turn of a dime. The main focus in Retail now is speeding up the supply chain to shorten turn time and get product from the factory to the selling floor FAST. Traditionally it took several seasons to plan "waves" and "floorsets", planning often began over a year in advance, but now the trend is to reduce lead time to weeks.
I honestly can't blame Hasbro for our Retail woes, I think much of the problem also rests in the hands of Retail chain inventory planners and buyers who over-order certain waves. I don't know lots about retail buying, but from what I know I'd imagine a savvy inventory planner for a retail chain would know their product well enough to stock appropriate levels of certain items. If an inventory manager doesn't know the difference between ROTF, Animated, HFTD, RTS, and Generations, they just order enough "Transformers" to keep the shelves stocked, regardless of the subline imprint. I also notice, at least in my area, that the big retail chains themselves try to push too much product through larger flagship stores. In my experience it's the smaller, lower volume stores that have newer product sooner, as they order much smaller volumes and sell through more quickly, than the giant flagships that seem to languish with the same product for ages. I often find new figures at a small Walmart in a tiny community in the tail end of South Jersey in the middle of winter MONTHS before I see any new product on the shelves of my local NNJ TRUs (5 min outside NYC). I found the Battle in Space 2-pack there on New Years Day, the same 2-pack JUST showed up at TRU here in NNJ 2 weeks ago.
I do agree and wish, however, that HTS would carry higher volumes of stock for later wave figures. They may be missing out on revenue here - the inventory that clogs up the retail chain is already paid for, Hasbro's made their money on that product, so if the big box stores won't buy later waves due to the fact their inventory levels are too high, why not push it through other online outlets? Depending on the cost, it may even be a good idea for them to issue free shipping as an incentive to people who don't normally order online. They can only make more money... I'm still holding out hope there are more Windchargers and Grappels on a vessel from Hong Kong making their way to the HTS distribution center right now. It may be just a matter of time... keep the faith!!
Although I need to take a spending break during DOTM, I recently found some solace by pre-ordering the last few Generations/RTS waves with TFSource or BBTS. I used to enjoy the hunt, but it started to become too nerve-racking and time-consuming to me. Ordering online is worth the extra $10 shipping for the peace-of-mind. I use the "Pile of Loot" feature to collect several waves, and I STILL get the figures long before they show up at retail. I have my Wheeljack and Thundercracker, but I don't quite know what I'm going to do about Warpath yet...
Anyway, that's my two cents. Thanks for listening!
Welcome to the boards, ex-lurker! Thanks for good explanation of how the supply chain is making a mess out of our toy collecting. Anyone who wants a better understanding of the "why distribution sucks" should definitely re-read your post.
And btw, I'd tell you Seibertron.com contains nuts... but you probably knew that
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by amtm Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:13 am
http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/new-to-has ... ST=SO&PG=1
Thanks to DevastaTTor, apologies and thanks to Counterpunch, and I echo the sentiments of the many posters on this thread. I will post my findings at local stores when I get a chance. I've taken lots of pictures over the past few months so I could provide some of those, too. Also think it might be worth trying to get other Transformers fan sites in on this, as the more people behind the message, the more likely Hasbro is to listen.
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by Kibble Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:22 am
amtm wrote:Hey everyone, just noticed something on HasbroToyShop.com. Maybe someone here has already mentioned it, but I hadn't seen it before.
http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/new-to-has ... ST=SO&PG=1
Yes...it was available for literally 20 minutes one day and 3 minutes the next day. And I know someone who actually got an order in during one of those time and it was canceled...although AFAIK, most that got their orders in during those few minutes did get them.
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by D-340 Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:24 am

"Consider the knowledge dropped."
From ToplessRobot.com:• "Watching Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is marginally better than sh***ing your pants, but it takes a lot longer." Very well put.
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by Nemesis Destron Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:30 am
No doubt that end cap will be home to the soon movie TF's. Hey I'm no conspiracy theorist by any means but who's to say this isn't a mindf**k ploy from the studio involving the movie? They figure by causing this stop/delay fans will starve and hunger for DOTM because of the TF's we were all waiting for and didn't get. In the end this is all one big s**t sandwich we all have been served, and we have all been forced to take a huge bite an nothing to wash it down with...'nuff said!
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by Optimus1138 Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:43 am
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by Grimlock64 Sat Apr 16, 2011 12:16 pm
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by T-Macksimus Sat Apr 16, 2011 12:43 pm
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by FanimusMaximus Sat Apr 16, 2011 12:51 pm

Burn wrote: Spam. It's what powers the HMW part of the server.
Someone wrote:Meanwhile, Astrotrain told Fanimusmaximus to get godzillabot a nice new haircut.
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by backpack Sat Apr 16, 2011 2:13 pm
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by primezimm Sat Apr 16, 2011 2:22 pm
Some of these toy lines would do alot better if they were distributed better. Production wise, it might be better to have someone (fanbase) help determine popularity of characters, that way their isn't overproduction of shelfwarmers. Or redistribute shelfwarmers if one region shows more popularity of the figures.
I've actually seen 1 Blurr on the racks yesterday, and several ravage, jolt, and the harrier looking jet (to name a few).
I've been waiting to find a Brawn, finally found a Fallback (same mold)and Jazz at Walgreens. Occasionally I've been able to find somewhat rare figs at Walgreens and Hastings with a sizable mark-up, where most people are not looking for transformers toys.
I usually have to go to Jackson, TN to Toys R Us to find what I'm looking for. Toys R Us, Wal-mart, and Target in Jackson seem to be stocked better being in a larger city. Only problem with that is drve time and gas. You plan a trip to Jackson, you don't just go to buy figs. Then you have places like where my in-laws live, rural Piedmont, Mo., where the common interest of the area's population and the cost of the figs, keep the shelves full until they go on clearance or prices drop. Back when 25th annv Prime came out, they had so many on the shelves that they actually sold them at a huge loss.
I guess that is why I frequent Bigbadtoystore.com, though often popular items are sold out.
I hope Hasbro can get it figured out. There are several figs I've missed out on and would still purchase if they were available. I strongly beleive the lack of availability is whats hurting their profit margin.
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by superchook6909 Sat Apr 16, 2011 4:00 pm
Although the Generations range is still at the RRP of $28.
I have Lug Nut, Tracks, Jazz, Wreck Gar x 2 and Perceptor.
The elusive Windcharger is available.
Although, I have seen one SMALL Target store stock only legends and a handfull of Cyclonus and Rodimus box set.
Toys R Us are yet to stock RTS transformers.
I was fortunate to pick up Human Alliance Jazz from TRU, yet still haven't seen him in K-Mart, (Australian version of Wal-Mart)
Were TRU have the stock at a rediculous price of $59.99 (large packaging), K-Mart use to have them in for $35 (small packaging.)
If Hasbro was smart, they wouldn't re-release the same transformers repainted. They should release a new line of new transformers.
Although, TRU is having a sale of 20% off transformers, so I picked up Animated Leader Class Megatron for $32.00, when the RRP is $39.99, a dramatic drop from $99.99 when he was first released.
What I don't get is, TRU have a Price Match guarantee, yet the Items must be in a catalogue, and in store, yet K-Mart has their RRP at $25.00 all year round, unless they have a sale. Yet TRU still have their RRP at $29.99.
Crazy.
Additionally: I am waiting with excitment to pick up THUNDERCRACKER! With him in my cybertronin little hands, would complete my Seeker collection.
Also, if HASBRO was smart, they should include all 6 seekers in a box set, Starscream, Skywarp, Thundercracker, Thrust, Ramjet and Dirge. (who seems to have the cool decepticon symbol on his chest plate.)
At least fans can have the knowledge that they can get them all.
I am still waiting for Kupp, Wheeljack, Scourge and Warpath.
Although, one Transformer I would scream my lungs out at seeing being done for Reveal The Shield or Generations, would be BLITZWING!! BRING US BLITZWING!!
Come on everybody, lets chant.
BLITZWINGBLITZWINGBLITZWING
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by polystyleneman Sat Apr 16, 2011 4:42 pm
I'm not someone who has to have every new figure, but I am someone who likes to get a figure that I think turns out to be a really good update to a classic character, or just is a really neat looking character for my shelf.
Now the toy I've been looking hard for is Scourge, one I'd really like to have because his update is so clearly modeled on my AHM design.
So here I am in central PA looking around for Scourge (Or even Wheelack, KUP, Wreck-Gar, Thundercracker, Warpath or Perceptor, who I must say all look pretty cool.) and I can't find any one of them.
We have several Wal-Marts, Targets, Kohl's, K-Marts, and Toys R' Us stores in the area, all of which I've searched for these figures. Here's the basic rundown:
Wal-Marts: DOTM displays but selves are filled with Dirge, Red Alert, ROTF Ironhide and other characters I'm not interested in, and Power Core Combiners.
Target: Lots of Dirge, and plenty of Hailstorms, Jetblades, Terradives and WfC Cliffjumpers.
Kohls: Same toys they've had since Christmas: Special Ops Jazz, Tracks, Fallback and Mindset. One Kohls doens't even have ANY Transformers to speak of.
One Toys R' Us around here has pretty much the characters above, while another has the same plus a bunch of Animated Oil Slicks and Cybertron Optimus Primes' taking up shelf space.
Again, nothing new.
I did resort to using an Amazon gift certificate to order Thundercracker from BBTS, which shipped quick and painlessly.
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by PaulK80 Sat Apr 16, 2011 5:00 pm
I need new stuff and by the time I get home from getting word HTS is restocked, they are back "Sold Out". Ugh!
I'm with others who say they aren't getting the whole DOTM line and just getting a few figures here and there. Maybe they can re-release the RVS & Gens late summer for people who want to buy them then.
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by crowdie569 Sat Apr 16, 2011 5:47 pm
First timer on Seibertron.com....*sigh* be kind please
But the fact of the matter is we have to wait several months before the new toys arrive, which isn't a big surprise. It's been that way since the second series of Generations came out in 2008/2009. Obviously, the biggest difference now is there are several Transformers toy lines on the market, and I think retailers are just getting confused and just putting out what's available, which is sadly ROTF and HFD toys.
In my personal and uneducated opinion, I think Hasbro would've done better with just releasing all the characters from RTS as Generations toys, and maybe that would've reduced or caused less confusion on retailers. And if Hasbro could moderate the numerous versions of movie toys available(Activators, RPMs, etc) and continue RTS and Generations through the summer, that might make circumstances easier for fans, and Hasbro would make more money in the process. And of course, one issue is the economy is still bad in the states, no news there.
I'm not holding my breath on finding Windcharger, Rumble, Frenzy, Warpath, and Grapple in Augusta. But I wouldn't be surprised if at least one of them shows up in the coming months. Wheeljack and Thundercracker I hope will come in next month, but who knows? From reading the posts, there's alot of folks who are unhappy with Hasbro, and trust me...I was getting pretty frustrated with them too at times, almost to the point of ending my TF collecting altogether. But I do think they are trying their best to appeal to longtime fans with the Generations line. Some of the toys haven't been perfect, but I know the designers of the toys have been putting alot of effort and heart into making these toys for fans.
Now if we could just find them all.......AAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by Court Jester Sat Apr 16, 2011 5:49 pm
FanimusMaximus wrote:The unfortunate truth is that WE are Hasbros' bitch.
I liken my relationship to Hasbro as the company being my whore... I pay her off and on for a little satisfaction... if she starts to mouth off with a movie, I ignore her... but then a new younger more skilled whore comes around and I switch to her services...
Oh FansProject, you dirty little slut, you...
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by OptiMagnus Sat Apr 16, 2011 6:01 pm
"But NO one likes movie toys. It's a fact that EVERYONE hates the Bayverse. Hasbro is too stupid to listen to the TRUE fans who want classics. You know, the good stuff everyone wants."
The above sentences are basically a mix of things I've heard concerning this issue. But, I hope this article gets some of these people to shut up. The truth is, Hasbro needs something to really motivate the sales. The two things that contribute the most? The holiday season and Hollywood films. Who really is going to remember these things are on the shelves otherwise? Kids with their birthday money that happen to watch the TV series?
Truth is, the movies sell toys. They get that good publicity that the TF brand rarely gets. Other lines, however, do not, and they rot on the shelves for months. That is why there is no point in putting all these things out right now when the stores are having trouble getting rid of the old stuff before DOTM already. We just have to accept it whether we like the movies or not. It just happens.
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by Ruthless Cynic Sat Apr 16, 2011 6:11 pm
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by Optimum Supreme Sat Apr 16, 2011 6:30 pm
I did manage to luck out and get a Kup and Scourge from the recent Generations wave, but I only saw them once, and I don't even remember which store I found them at, I've been looking at so many stores in such a short time.
Meijers and Walmart both had no problem getting the DOTM Preview Optimus onto shelves though, surprise surprise. Never any RTS, but here's an early movie toy and bam, pegs and pegs full. It's enough to make you want to strangle Michael Bay.
I did manage to snag an RTS Optimus from HasbroToyShop, and get "preorders" for sometime in May for a few others, but Wreckgar is never in stock and now thanks to shipping prices I'm out of money for a while anyway, so guess I'll never get him or Grappel. And don't even get me started on Windcharger.
PCC, never really cared about most of them, but the one I might've been interested in, the dinosaur one, I've never seen it. Not sure which other ones never showed up, but I know the one formerly known as Spastic certainly never showed up either.
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by chuckdawg1999 Sat Apr 16, 2011 7:30 pm
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by NTESHFT Sat Apr 16, 2011 8:19 pm
Kibble wrote:Here's what the pathetic local Walmart near me has looked like for the last couple months:
They're not even trying to clear older stock...they're just empty and apparently content with that fact.
Looks just like that at my local Walmart, plus the surrounding ones as well.
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by Sideslap Sat Apr 16, 2011 9:00 pm
Our Zellers which is the equivalent of Target and is soon becoming Target has been getting new stuff in super randomly. Just the other day I saw the PCC's HeavyTread w/ GroundSpike and Skyhammer w/ Airlift and yet sitting on the same shelf was ROTF Voyager Bludgeon and Recon Ironhide. Windcharger appears in droves at certain ones. Zellers has no shelf warming policy and stuff will sit there for years literally. I'm still waiting to pick up a HA Sideswipe and Bumblebee because I missed them when Walmart had them onsale for $10 on Christmas eve day. Sadly they're still at the $40 mark.
Also our Walmarts have a pretty good shelf policy if things sit too long they get their price lowered and they move like hotcakes; though there was a problem with Tuner Mudflap, Jolt and Sideways but I think they just dropped it lower. Oddly we still have one Walmart here that isn't a super center yet that recently had some stuff from the 07 movie on the shelves for DIRT cheap I picked up Leader Megs at $10. For when it was $60 it's junk but at $10 in perfect unopened condition it was sublime. They also had some premium voyagers and a few deluxes. No one would tell me where they came from or if they had more but it was a lucky find.
This leads me to my point and TRU. TRU is spammed with Wave 1 and 2 HFTD's and yet advertises on the Canadian website having RTS Deep Dive, Lugnut, and Strafe though after being to 3 of my local ones have yet to see anything other then HFTD Wave one voyagers.
Shelf Warming is a problem at every store for every kinda product (except food). If you think business wise lowering the price to move product would help recoup sales rather then charging insane amounts on just one sale ie. $60 for a leader class. Hasbro could learn something from something as simple as that from that. Empty Shelves = demand for stock, demand for stock = shipping orders to fill them, shipping orders = $$$ Voila
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Re: Where are all the new Transformers, Hasbro?
Posted by Wheeljack35 Sat Apr 16, 2011 9:49 pm
The Targets in my area have newer figures but they are from the lines that came out at xmas time
Walmart has literally nothing they released a endcap special with figures such as Red alert and the figures from that wave from last year and I never see anything new from them at all
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