Toys to Retirement Weekly Wrap-Up #30
Hello friends,
Hope everyone is having a lovely start to May. I’ve been hearing it everywhere and experiencing it myself — sales are slow right now. The usual suspects are at play — no toy-driven holiday, economy is filled with uncertainty, layoffs are un-ending, etc. On top of that, most people have already spent their tax return money and are starting to put money away for summer vacations.
All this to say — don’t be alarmed. It’s normal for this time of year, especially with everything else going on in the world.
Quick housekeeping mention, I will not be around next week so there will be radio silence on my end. Toys to Retirement will return to its regular schedule the week of the 19th.
Anyways, let’s wrap up the week!
May 2025 LEGO Update
You can check out my monthly update on the latest happenings in the LEGO world here:
There was a lot of movement this month on the retirement list, and discounts on already retired sets have been solid. In fact, one of the sets I mention went on sale the same day I posted the article — love it.
On top of that, there’s another development in the LEGO world.
The previously sold out micro-NINJAGO sets in the rewards center… they’re back as a bundle! The price is better too. It lasts until May 31. Hopefully there is a good GWP before then to inspire some orders…
Hasbro Price Increases?
Most of us have seen some form of tariff increase on items by now. But we haven’t gotten direct confirmation what MSRP will be for certain toy lines going forward.
Well, info is starting to trickle out.
Previously $24.99, this new Star Wars Black Series release has jumped to an MSRP of $31.99.
Will this be the new norm? Still waiting on official confirmation from Hasbro, but I don’t think it’s out of the question. If that’s the case, expect Amazon to stay in stock a LOT longer on products. There is significant buyer sensitivity past the $29.99 mark.
If I wasn’t done with Star Wars Black Series before, I definitely am now.
Pokemon Successfully Slowing Down Bots + New Set
The rumor mill is spinning and I’m hearing that several bot-friendly Discords are reporting increased trouble getting check outs from Pokemon Center. This could be the culprit for why stock is surviving actual hours instead of seconds this week. Hope everyone had a chance to cook the newest set that got revealed — Black Bolt & White Flare. Pokemon Center exclusive ETB pre-orders went up and lasted several hours.
This will be a very special set, it seems like the hype for Pokemon will not be going anywhere anytime soon. Although it’s not a ‘Charizard/Eevee/Pikachu’ set, it’s 151-esque in that every Pokemon from the fourth generation will be getting a card. And for the first time ever — a special illustration rare along with it.
This set will be fun to open and have insane demand. Alongside that, it will have insane production. If you’re down for the long term hold (or like flipping), pay attention!
Liza Colón-Zayas Cast in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’
Why is this big news? Because she is Puerto Rican and the perfect age to play a mom…
Miles Morales anyone?
There is a very real possibility we will start seeing Miles on the big screen. It’s not secret that Tom Holland is ready to pass the Spider-Man mantle onto someone else. Perhaps after Secret Wars we will be getting some live-action Miles content.
Just rumors at this point, but who knows…
Toys R Gold by Steve French is Filling Up…
Steve is a good friend of mine who I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in an Amazon group several years ago. Since then, we’ve talked pretty much everyday about all things Amazon and made hundreds of thousands of dollars together. He uses the same strategies I do, but also does a ton of retail arbitrage on top of it.
While my newsletter is more about how to toy invest, Steve has a more lead-driven group called Toys R Gold (but also has tons of strategy content too!). Every week day leads are posted for toys only.
I find something every week from the lead list, whether it be a hold or a flip. Plus it’s easy to rabbit trail down paths you haven’t thought of before.
Toys R Gold is almost full (capped at 100 members).
If you want to learn more about Steve and his group, he has been posting samples of leads he has shared in the past and how they’re performing now over on his twitter (https://x.com/TheVillage_AMZ).
You can sign up for Toys R Gold and learn all it has to offer here: https://toys-r-gold.thrivecart.com/toys-r-gold-3-month-membership/
This is not a referral link, I just truly believe in his product. Oh, and you also get free access to the paid version of Toys to Retirement as long as you’re a member of his group!
Alright friends, gonna wrap it up there. Catch you in two weeks! In the mean time, keep repricing and stacking up cash. Summer clearance isn’t far (in fact some things have already been found deeply discounted?!)
