Rangers UK sales help power £20m turnover for Bandai
BANDAI, the Japanese company behind the Power Rangers, is on course to make £20 million in UK revenues this year, driven by sales of the TV show’s merchandise.
Darrell Jones, the company’s marketing director, said: “Although our overall turnover is broadly flat this year compared to last year, sales of Power Rangers have gone up and we’re hoping to double revenue next year with the introduction of a number of new products.”
Sales from Power Rangers merchandise make up about half of Bandai’s UK revenue.
The company also makes Ben 10 toys and Tamagotchi, the digital pet game.
Jones added: “The toy market, like all markets, is challenging at the moment. Toys have become a luxury item and are increasingly being given only on birthdays and at Christmas.
“Sales are also dependent on what’s in vogue, and that can change very quickly. But we’re holding our own and Power Rangers action figures are by far the most popular item.”
The children’s TV show, which airs on Channel 5, revolves around a group of young people recruited and trained by a mentor to “morph” into Rangers complete with special powers to be used to overcome evil forces that threaten humanity.