With the excitement building for Mufasa: The Lion King, set to roar onto the big screen this December, there’s never been a better time for retailers to stock up on The Lion King home and lifestyle products. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original 1994 animated film, the buzz around this iconic Disney tale continues to grow. Disney fans, both old and new, are awaiting this new prequel, which promises to delve deeper into the beloved characters of the Pride Lands. With an established history of box office successes and near-universal brand recognition, here’s some more reasons why retailers should pounce at the chance to stock up.
A LEGACY OF BOX OFFICE TRIUMPHS
Since its release in 1994, The Lion King has proven to be one of Disney’s most successful and adored films. Known for its iconic songs like ‘Circle of Life’ and ‘Hakuna Matata’, the movie generated an impressive $976 million at the worldwide box office. Fast forward to 2019, Disney’s live-action remake smashed expectations and raked in a staggering $1.6 billion globally. This incredible box office performance cemented the franchise’s everlasting appeal. With Mufasa: The Lion King following closely on the heels of these triumphs, all signs point to yet another hit that will draw fans back to the world of Simba, Mufasa, and the Pride Lands.
UNIVERSAL BRAND RECOGNITION AND CONSUMER DEMAND
Well-established, trusted evergreen franchises are a golden ticket for retailers – brands with lasting appeal that consumers continually gravitate toward. The Lion King is one of Disney’s crown jewels. The 2019 live-action film had a remarkable 97% brand recognition among moviegoers according to YouGov. And anyone who hasn’t heard of the Lion King? Well, that might as well be living under Pride Rock. Products associated with the franchise, from lighting to playing cards and more, are bound to resonate with a broad consumer base.
MERCHANDISE WITH BROAD APPEAL
Given the wide appeal of The Lion King brand, retailers have a plethora of opportunities to stock merchandise that will attract various demographics. From decorative items to toys, relevant licensed products fit effortlessly into both everyday life and special collections.
Take the popular Simba 3D Light – a perfect addition to any child’s room – or the Lion King Playing Cards – a great collectible item for fans of all ages. Upcoming releases like the Simba SquishyGlo Silicone Light will no doubt capture the bedtime imagination of younger consumers, while adults may seek out signature Lion King themed home décor items to add a touch of nostalgia to their living spaces. Whether it’s for play, collectability or home décor, The Lion King offers something for everyone.
With the 30th anniversary of the original The Lion King and the release of its prequel fast approaching, now is the perfect time to stock up on related products. Don’t miss out on the chance to grab hold of the retail opportunities that this beloved franchise offers.
To get ahead of the pride and to the front of the pack, head over to our trade portal and explore the full range of Disney merchandise available for your store.
