PlaymoFriends
General => News => Topic started by: Richard on February 20, 2010, 21:55:30
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2010 - THE WINTER OLYMPICS - VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
As everyone probably knows, the Winter Olympics are only held once every four years.
So where's Playmobil?
Are Geobra's marketing people absolutely daft?
Take a look, and then ask yourself why any company (with their product already available) would NOT want to sell it and make money? Especially, when they have said over and over again that they want to be in the Canadian and American toy markets ?
I may be wrong ... but, it seems like insanity to me ... 8}
see attachment for available Winter Olympics Playmobil sets
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I quite agree with you Richard - they had a ready market there.
I did notice that on ebay uk for a week or two before the Olympics started, anything connected with winter sports seemed to be getting higher bids than usual. :hmm:
Elaine
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Yes where is Playmobil?!?!?! :hmm:
I have only been watching parts of the olympics... (to be honest, sports boar me...)
I would rather make my own Olympics display and show it too my family who are all huge olympic fans.
At least it would connect my playmobil to them someway...
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I have given up trying to understand their methods! They hired a marketing firm to promote sales increases in the USA, & Canada, but when they could break out their retired molds, & do some custom country team sets, they just miss out on the entire thing :(!
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I quite agree - they had a ready market there.
Yes where is Playmobil?!?!?! :hmm:
I have given up trying to understand their methods! They hired a marketing firm to promote sales increases in the USA, & Canada, but when they could break out their retired molds, & do some custom country team sets, they just miss out on the entire thing :( !
Thanks for your comments, Elaine, WoT and Bill!
Let's hope that Playmobil's CEO is reading this topic. And, let's hope that Geobra's major decision makers quickly realize how inept their marketing people really are.
The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver are not a surprise. Good grief ... they had FOUR years to get ready for it!
Hudson's Bay Company (http://www.hbc.com/en/index.html) is the premier player in Vancouver for Winter Olympics related gifts, mementos, keepsakes, souvenirs, etc. They have had coverage on CNN, Oprah and the major networks internationally during the Winter Olympics. And, the Hudson's Bay Company is no stranger to Playmobil. They stocked Playmobil in their Victoria store on Vancouver Island after they moved into Eaton's Centre.
If Geobra can make an exclusive Victorian truck (4083) for Karstadt, they could have just as easily made an exclusive Winter Olympics snowboarder for the Hudson's Bay Company.
The more I think about it, the more frustrated and the more angry I get!
How could such a fantastic opportunity have just slipped through their fingers? Who was asleep? ... >:(
I'm really sorry that I didn't write an email to Zirndorf four years ago. But, I wonder if they would have even read it? And, if they did read it, wonder if they'd have just passed it on to their brilliant marketing department ... :P
All the best,
Richard
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richard
you forgot the mounties, standing at attention below the flags during the awards ceremonies. plus, they could have made the awards podiums
kaethe
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They already have the award podium mold from the bike and racecar sets.
They've been doing the sets related to the World Cup so it shouldn't bee too much of a stretch for them. I bet the halfpipe in the recent bike series could be done in white for a snowboard set.
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You're quite right Richard, as you say the sets and all the sporting paraphernalia are already there, and they had four years warning. I wonder if the 2012 Summer Olympics will equally take them by surprise (hint: the answer is PROBABLY).
Oddly they did manage to take note of the UEFA World Cup, maybe because Germany take part. Wait... Germany take part in the Winter Olympics too! ::)
Any of us would love the job of Playmobil's Marketing Director, and could do a better job in our sleep, because whomever they currently employ is frankly not cutting the mustard.
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you forgot the mounties, standing at attention below the flags during the awards ceremonies. plus, they could have made the awards podiums
I would never forget the "Mounties", Kaethe ... :klickygrin:
(bottom row, second from left) ... ;)
They already have the award podium mold from the bike and racecar sets.
They've been doing the sets related to the World Cup so it shouldn't been too much of a stretch for them. I bet the halfpipe in the recent bike series could be done in white for a snowboard set.
Kaethe and Tim, I think that you're both probably correct about how easy it would have been to use the existing podiums. And, Tim, using the accessories from the "World Cup" doesn't seem like it would have been (as you said) much of a stretch at all!
I'm about to join Bill in giving up trying to make any sense out of Geobra's direction.
I just don't understand what's wrong with Geobra's marketing people ... 8}
You're quite right Richard, as you say the sets and all the sporting paraphernalia are already there, and they had four years warning. I wonder if the 2012 Summer Olympics will equally take them by surprise (hint: the answer is PROBABLY).
Oddly they did manage to take note of the UEFA World Cup, maybe because Germany take part. Wait... Germany take part in the Winter Olympics too! ::)
Any of us would love the job of Playmobil's Marketing Director, and could do a better job in our sleep, because whomever they currently employ is frankly not cutting the mustard.
AMEN, Martin! You are spot on my friend!
All the best,
Richard
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I think they may have a toboggan and rider coming out in May to capitalize on the Olympics! :lol: :lol:
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I think they may have a toboggan and rider coming out in May to capitalize on the Olympics! :lol: :lol:
Thanks, Gepetto ...
I suspected that there might be some hidden humor in their madness ... :P
(So, why am I crying? ...) :'(
All the best,
Richard
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Hi Richard
I did not read all the posts yet but I am sure Playmobil is on it and like Gepetto mentioned Geobra is on it and the whole theme will be out in 4-8 years, and us in the US will be lucky to see them longer than one year in production :P
Can we please just figure out how to put a little fantasy in this, it would be so much easier for that one designer lady put some color into this :cheerlead:
I do agree, Playmobil missed the boat. I do not watch the Olympics or follow them at all so I really did not see this pathetically missed marketing and sales opportunity coming. I guess every 2 years they could do the summer and then the winter. Has Playmobil ever tried to do it ? I would imagine the Audi logo-ish thingy is trademarked, so they do avoid any licensing products. If so maybe there just are not the #'s to sustain a whole production ? There must be something stopping these opportunities ?
Rasputin "The Mad Monk"
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There must be something stopping these opportunities ?
Rasputin "The Mad Monk"
I think that you may be absolutely correct, Ras!
Let's see, what could be "stopping these opportunities" for Geobra?
Please check all that apply:
__ Lack of Foresight
__ Lack of Leadership
__ Lack of Courage
__ Lack of Perception
__ Inability to Change
__ Other ? ...
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I agree with all those and especially the last one Richard. Geobra are still directed by the same old man at the top, and until he gives more creative freedom I think they will always seem tramelled. The design team seem to be doing what is expected of them, nothing more.
They've just produced an (Award Winning?) Secret Agent theme? This is only copying what Lego did.
New Castles and Knights? Really just a revamp of the old stuff, I'll enjoy it but it's not groundbreaking.
Dinosaurs? Dinos have been popular with boys for decades, it's suprising they didn't do them sooner (maybe Hans Beck stopped them)
Ghost Pirates? Can anyone say "of the Carribean"?
Dragons and Dragon Knights? Maybe a little innovative, and they've raised a few eyebrows from people who worry that Geobra are losing touch with their roots.
I do note that Lego has also not capitalised on the Olympics, but I think Playmobil is ideally suited to creating "pocket mascots". With Lego you have nothing to play with until you've assembled the set, with Playmobil it's often virtually ready to play with out of the box.
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so.....
have any of you created any winter olympics scenes? i would love to see some photos if you have time. not having the extensive collections that many of you have, i enjoy seeing your projects. (although i suppose the emergency room is a distant part of the olympics, although hardly a featured scene.)
kaethe
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I think that you may be absolutely correct, Ras!
Let's see, what could be "stopping these opportunities" for Geobra?
Please check all that apply:
__ Lack of Foresight
__ Lack of Leadership
__ Lack of Courage
__ Lack of Perception
__ Inability to Change
__ Other ? ...
Hi Richard
All the reasons you gave are internal conditions. I was thinking more on the lines of an external situation that may exist. I mean somebody at Geobra must have brought this up at a meeting. It just seems so simple and a lot of the molds like you showed already are there. If there is less upfront cost than you profit margins are much more appealing to do it. I know how larger companies sometimes get stuck in ruts especially if overall they show growth .
This is quite a theme that would seem to be right in line with Playmobil's philosophy. It is not short live, encourages exercising, not waring, countries coming together, they have plenty of time to prepare for special host countries exclusives . I am surprised that very few companies tries to capitalize on this event.
Could it be that a lot of kids are not interested in Olympics? If kids are not watching why would they ask for a toy about it. The parent is not likely to want to play Olympic cross county skiing or figure skating unless they are like us 8}
Rasputin "The Mad Monk"
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It's true what you are saying Ras, & Richard! Just think if Playmobil had come up with a neutral outfit, or found a way to put uniforms like they did on the soccer player themed figures, even possibly getting permission to use countries actual color schemes, (they had 4 years to get this handled), the potential would have been unlimited! Everyone actually attending the events look for souvenirs! Playmobil could have made limited editions of the popular athletes in figure form, & who wouldn't want to buy a figure set for $5.00 to $15.00 with their respected countries colors adorning a PM figure? A great amount of people attending the games grew up with Playmobil in their home country! They could have also offered a bob sled team, downhill skier, luge racer, etc. in a special PM member mailer! A true lost opportunity!
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so..... have any of you created any winter olympics scenes?
Nah ... we're all too busy trying to help Geobra to continue to be a solvent and successful toy company, Kaethe ... :lol:
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I know Playmobil somehow soiled their copybook with McDonald's, but you'd think they could try a Giveaway with some other Fast Food (or Restaurant) Chain in the USA. Burger King, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, Arby's, Jack in the Box, Wendy's and Carl Jr's are the fast food chains I can think of (in just ten seconds) that would welcome a marketing advantage against Mickey D's.
What Geobra always seem to overlook is that every collector (child or adult) starts with one set or figure. Give away 10,000 figures and you'll sell 1,000,000 on the back of them.
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I agree Martin, it would be cool for PM to try the fast-food giveaway again. The problem I see though, all the toy premiums nowadays have some action feature and are all always riding the coattails of the latest Disney movie. I just don't see any of the big chains taking a chance with Playmobil, even as a freebie with a kid's meals.
As far as the Winter Olympics goes, I agree PM should have had a couple figures to commemorate, seems really elementary, but not a huge line, because playing Olympics would be yawn-city, kinda like watching the real Olympics. ;D
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Hi
When they do the store exclusives isn't the minimum order somewhere around 10,000 units. Are there more than 10,000 fans in any given market to sustain a production of even the old molds. I would think the minimum only applies to existing molds and not if Geobra need to make any new ones.
The Olympics is trademarked. I came across this-
"The Amateur Sports Act, 36 U.S.C. 380, gives the International Olympic Committee the exclusive right to prevent any person from using the following items for the purpose of trade, to induce the sale of any goods or services, or to promote any theatrical exhibition, athletic performance, or competition:
The symbol of the IOC consisting of five interlocking rings
The emblem of the corporation
Any trademark, trade name, sign, symbol, or insignia falsely representing association with, or authorization by, the IOC
The words Olympic, Olympiad, Citius Altius Fortius, or any combination or simulation thereof tending to cause confusion, to cause mistake, to deceive, or to falsely suggest a connection with the corporation of any Olympic activity. "
I do not know how a toy would fit in but it might have something to do with the lack of not only Playmobil but a lot of big toy companies not doing Olympic themes
Rasputin "The Mad Monk"
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Hi
When they do the store exclusives isn't the minimum order somewhere around 10,000 units. Are there more than 10,000 fans in any given market to sustain a production of even the old molds. I would think the minimum only applies to existing molds and not if Geobra need to make any new ones.
The Olympics is trademarked. I came across this-
"The Amateur Sports Act, 36 U.S.C. 380, gives the International Olympic Committee the exclusive right to prevent any person from using the following items for the purpose of trade, to induce the sale of any goods or services, or to promote any theatrical exhibition, athletic performance, or competition:
The symbol of the IOC consisting of five interlocking rings
The emblem of the corporation
Any trademark, trade name, sign, symbol, or insignia falsely representing association with, or authorization by, the IOC
The words Olympic, Olympiad, Citius Altius Fortius, or any combination or simulation thereof tending to cause confusion, to cause mistake, to deceive, or to falsely suggest a connection with the corporation of any Olympic activity. "
Rasputin "The Mad Monk"
All those rules would make it very hard to make any decnt playmobil figures...
Maybe that is why Playmobil is being so clueless...?
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The Olympics is trademarked. I came across this-
Rasputin "The Mad Monk"
The marketing bozos at Geobra would love you, Ras ... :love:
However, if I were the boss and this was their excuse, it wouldn't fly ... :no:
Have you seen the Hudson's Bay Company (http://www.hbc.com/en/index.html) "Olympic" website?
No "interlocking rings" and no mention of the "Winter Olympics" ... yet, everything you see is made for the Winter Olympics! How did they get around the rules? They used their "smarts" !!! They became the supplier for the Canada Winter Olympics Team !!! ... :)9
Take a look at their TV ad ... it's another great example of HBC using their smarts !!!
Click HERE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh3W7mtl6iQ) for the TV ad and HERE (http://www.hbc.com/en/index.html) for HBC's website!
Geobra could have teamed up with the German Winter Olympics Team and done the same thing. Maybe not with apparel but with Playmobil souvenirs! And, then Geobra could have teamed up with Hudson's Bay Company to add everything else to a Playmobil souvenir line.
There seems to almost always be a way to get around most pesky rules ... :klickygrin:
(Usually requires the desire, the interest and the creativity.) ... :toot:
Thanks for digging up the "rules", Ras! ... :)9
All the best,
Richard
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As I said earlier, I give up trying to understand their lack of ingenuity as marketing goes! Richard, you should have been in charge of their marketing efforts, you sly devil ;)! They are too slow to react to the needs of their customers,....us! They have sat in the comfort of reputation through out the past, but if there is no change in their willingness to listen to us, & market demands, they may have a short shelf life! Case & point, look @ the slack product availability through out North America! The mom & pop toys stores are vanishing, but PM is not pursuing a broader range of vender's with a more diverse product line! The knight & pirate themes are not all that PM offers, but your big name department stores don't have much else to show those who are not interested! It will surprise me if Kmart or Target end up stocking the new Fire Department theme in its entirety, but you can expect to see bubble packs of knights & crusaders galore,....go figure!
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Geobra are still directed by the same old man at the top, and until he gives more creative freedom I think they will always seem tramelled. The design team seem to be doing what is expected of them, nothing more.
As I said earlier, I give up trying to understand their lack of ingenuity as marketing goes!
They have sat in the comfort of reputation through out the past, but if there is no change in their willingness to listen to us, & market demands, they may have a short shelf life!
Hello, Martin and Bill ...
Let's talk about the "old man" at the top and also Geobra's "short shelf life" ... :eh?:
The "old man" is past his mid 70s now. He's in fairly good health and could be around for at least several more years. His financial worth is in excess of a billion US dollars. (More than enough money for most people.) His major interest is golf. So, why should he worry about taking huge risks in a very fickle toy market?
His people only have to do (as you said, Martin) what's expected of them and nothing more. Why "rock the boat" and risk losing your job?
Short shelf life, Bill? The employees will probably continue to just put in their time everyday until the "old man" goes on to his final reward. Then some company (like a Mattel) will come in and buy out the "heirs" and change everything for the worse.
Every day I pray that the "old man" will last and last and last ... :prays:
Because when he's gone, I fear that the Playmobil that we all know now and love will be gone as well ... :(
All the best,
Richard
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Well, we should just call this Geobra's Whimper Olympics and hope that what they do manage to make will reach our respective shores so we can buy them.
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Every day I pray that the "old man" will last and last and last ... :prays:
Because when he's gone, I fear that the Playmobil that we all know now and love will be gone as well ... :(
All the best,
Richard
I totally agree with you on that, Richard. We really have to enjoy all of the sets Geobra is producing these days for when the "old man" is gone, things will be most likely be totally different - and not for the better!
David
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HI Richard
Yes I know all rules are up for interpretation and your's, mine and many others bending of these rules have different degrees. Like stated these are employees who want a paycheck and want to keep it coming. I would imagine that seeing what happened to Hans that would drive out any young whipper snapper with bright ideas back to his cubicle :whip:
I have often wondered what is in store for Geobra when the "old man" retires. What is his family tree and is any close younger heir working in upper management? Now that you mention the company is the context of "old man" it certainly would explain a lot, soon we will have Alzheimer's, diapers, and retirement centers in the pipeline for sets.
Rasputin "The Mad Monk"
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I have often wondered what is in store for Geobra when the "old man" retires.
Rasputin "The Mad Monk"
From what I know about the "old man", Ras, he will never retire! I would almost "bet the farm" that the "old man" will die in the saddle ... ;D
What is his family tree and is any close younger heir working in upper management?
To the best of my knowledge, Ras, none of the "old man's" offspring are very interested in the business. My understanding is that Lechuza was created to give one of the kids something to do ... ::)
At this point, it looks like the Playmobil that we know will only live as long as long as the "old man" lives. So, as I wrote before, "Let's all say a little prayer for the "old man" ... :prays:
All the best,
Richard
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From what I know about the "old man", Ras, he will never retire! I would almost "bet the farm" that the "old man" will die in the saddle ... ;D
Well that is interesting, the "old man" and I share the same retirement theory :lol: It is called the "Big Retirement" or the "Final Retirement" 0)
To the best of my knowledge, Ras, none of the "old man's" offspring are very interested in the business. My understanding is that Lechuza was created to give one of the kids something to do ... ::)
All the best,
Richard
How many offspring are there?
Well hopefully Lechuza is successful and they somehow want to continue the parent company. I guess Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen has the same problem someday over at Lego. I maintain a bit more optimism for the companies futures and do hope the heirs do see the "cash cow" or "goose that lays the golden eggs" they will be inheriting.
Rasputin "The Mad Monk"
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Well that is interesting, the "old man" and I share the same retirement theory :lol: It is called the "Big Retirement" or the "Final Retirement" 0)
How many offspring are there?
Rasputin "The Mad Monk"
Ras, I believe that the "old man" only has two sons. However, I think that I remember hearing that neither of them are interested or capable of running the business.
All the best,
Richard
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everyone misses an "obvious" idea sometime.
geobra missed 19 olympic games so far.
... and maybe it can be said that all of you, my friends, missed the opportunity to make a suggestion to link a possible olympic playmo-theme with the birth of an ANCIENT GREECE theme. ;)
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... and maybe it can be said that all of you, my friends, missed the opportunity to make a suggestion to link a possible olympic playmo-theme with the birth of an ANCIENT GREECE theme. ;)
Ah, yes. But then we run into the "naked klicky" problem. :D
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Oh my my my my my.... :(
I did not realise the state that the Playmobil company is in!!!
I hope that it does not collapse or someone else buys Playmobil and changes it for the worse...
Maybe if we all banded together between all of use we could buy it, and change it how we want! >:D
Alas... wishful thinking... :'(
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Hello
I wonder what it is worth separated from all the other companies
I do not know what year this was but an online dictionary said this.
"Brandstätter Group (Geobra Brandstätter GmbH & Co KG) is a German company, headquartered in Zirndorf. The group is composed of toy company Playmobil, Playmobil 1.2.3 Ltd, Inmold Ltd, Hob Electronics Ltd, Hob Components Ltd, HOB Inc., HOB GmbH & Co KG, and Hob Software Ltd."
If you take their stats off Playmobil in 07' it was 427 Mio. €, with a growth of 6%. in 08' it made 452 Mio. €. If things continued @ 6% in 2013 it will grow to 604 € or $823 mil.
Now if you were selling something generating $823 million dollars a year you going to want a fat cat check
Now things do not have to look as bad as they seem. Production would go to China or whom ever is cheapest w/ quality control. There is sure a large part of the market untapped. Who knows it may just open up a lot of distribution business in the US :prays: The reps might even be reborn. Maybe the German Government should buy up the company to keep production there ? The US just bought GM. Or a white night billionaire who always played with them and wants to bring back all the old classic sets :o
Rasputin "The Mad Monk"
Sorry I just realized where this is and how off topic it is :-[
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Rasputin "The Mad Monk"
Sorry I just realized where this is and how off topic it is :-[
It's OK, Ras ... the Winter Olympics are over! ... :**: