Apparently having your marriage erased from history doesn’t exempt you from spending time at the Pottery Barn:
Marvel Entertainment, looking to expand into new distribution channels, is launching a collection of Spider-Man bedding, lighting, play furniture, room décor and accessories at the upscale chain this spring. It’s part of a broader strategy by the company to promote its superhero stash to older and more affluent consumers.
“Mass will always be the bread and butter of our business,” said Paul Gitter, Marvel’s president of consumer products, North America. “But we want to expand the breadth of our brands, become trend relevant and tap into new revenue streams.”
Marvel already has taken steps in that direction, with deals in place with Nordstrom, Fred Segal and H&M. The product, mostly apparel for young men and boys, aims to break Marvel out of the “commodity product” mold. The multi-year agreement with Pottery Barn Kids focuses on home furnishings, which is among the marketer’s top five selling categories. (Overall, Spidey is in the rarefied air of multibillion-dollar franchises with successful films, TV series, comics, DVDs and merchandise from scores of licensees.)
The BrandWeek article notes that Marvel now has an in-house team focused on “new retail channels” and expects to close more co-branding deals with other retail chains soon.
February 13th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Doc Strange Apothecary Table FTW
Slapstick Shoe-Horn
Hulk SMASH Pestle and Mortar
Wolverine
knifeclaw sharpenerAunt May’s Cookware
Avengers-brand Hatstand
Iron Man…cruet set.
Ok, I’m out.
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February 13th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Nice ideas, Craig!
So, promoting the “superhero stash to older and more affluent customers.” Does that mean they’re designing Spidey bedding, etc. for grownups?
I doubt I can talk my wife into a Spider-Man bedspread (and even if I wanted one, I’m Spidey-free until OMD is undone and retconned away), but I am curious. It’s common knowledge that kids aren’t reading comics now, but most marketing of DC and Marvel characters is aimed at kids. I guess that’s due to animated shows and movies, which is where kids seem to get their superhero knowledge from these days. I just think it’s an interesting dichotomy is all.
My wife did gte me a really cool Batman pillow case a few years ago, just for fun. But it got me wondering why there isn’t more stuff aimed at the adults who actually buy comics.
February 13th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
This Marvel stuff in Pottery Barn Kids, not the regular Pottery Barn stores. My wife and I bought the Spidey sheets (cool Romita Sr. art) and a lunchbag for our 5 year old son.
They also carry Batman and Superman bedding and puzzles as well. My son also has the Batman sheets (looks like Kane art, maybe Jerry Robinson?)
So, really, this is aimed at adults to buy for kids, not for adults. They don’t sell the sheets in queen and king size.
February 13th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
I’ve been in Pottery Barn a few times. Oddly, I don’t recall seeing any actual pottery anywhere.
February 13th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
…I’d buy a Doc Strange Apothecary table.
And who wouldn’t want Aunt May’s griddle for perfect wheatcakes?
…what are you all looking at me like that for?
February 13th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I think I know what MJ told Mephisto before the marriage was erased!
“Make him sell out to Pottery Barn!” :p
February 13th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
The Hoary Toast-Rack of Hoggoth!
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February 13th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
The Thing’s Fantasti-Chair.
Professor X’s Wheelchair caddy.
Nick Fury’s Eyepatch rack.
Daredevil’s Murdered Girlfriend Clean-up Kit.
Thor’s Mjoulnir Stand.
Some of these are too easy.
February 14th, 2008 at 1:02 am
WTF is Pottery Barn??? Is that like Bed, Bath, and Beyond??? Must be a East Coast thing….
February 14th, 2008 at 1:15 am
Ok NM… looks like there’s Pottery Barn’s here….closest one is like an hour away. Bah! Im not about to go all the way to Seattle for Spider-Man furniture accessories when I can just go to Wal-mart, K-Mart, or Target….
February 14th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Pottery Barn is sort of like an even yuppie-er version of Bed Bath and Beyond. It’s where you would shop if you didn’t buy so many comics.
February 19th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
“Get out now… Matt says so” Is that Matthew as in the Daredevil?
elvee, now that is funny. I actually use my store boxes as furniture.
January 17th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Great job on the pleasurable piece which surely everyone was excited with. All the information was fun but useful at the same time. Thanks for keeping us fascinated!