MovieChat Forums > Moana (2016) Discussion > Are Moana merchandise even selling?

Are Moana merchandise even selling?

posted 8 years ago by vdgarcia13
22 replies | jump to latest

I've been curious about the Moana merchandise. I know Disney started selling Moana costumes and dolls before the film even premiered, and when I go to stores for Christmas shopping I still sees shelves full of Moana merchandise.

The movie may be making bank, but do you think the actual brand will sell out like Frozen or other Disney princesses do? Maybe it's too early to tell but I have a feeling that it won't, I don't know I just don't see Moana being an every household princess, maybe it is because of her race or maybe it's because the movie came out in Winter when it's clearly a summer flick, I'm prepared to bet that she's another Pocahontas/Tiana.

[–] QueenFanUSA 8 years ago

Evidently, there is a poster on this board that says Moana merchandise is already in the clearance section.

[–] Zaphenzo 8 years ago

Canny is a troll, most likely a sock account of Joby Dimms based on how he repeats the exact same things that Joby does and ignores facts that same way and spits out nonsense with no proof. So I wouldn't trust that. I wouldn't know for sure, personally, as I haven't been to a department store recently.

[–] Punba74 8 years ago

Canny is definitely joby dimms in disguise. However, i have been to the stores and though they arent on clearance yet, the managers told me the toys have been sitting om shelves for weeks. They had to stop taking orders from disney since the toys were not selling. They were thinking of putting them in clearance.

[–] QueenFanUSA 8 years ago

More depressing news.

[–] ColdHardDrewthProductions 8 years ago

That makes me sick :( God, this country is full of idiots.

[–] TheMountainThatRides23 8 years ago

I just don't see Moana being an every household princess, maybe it is because of her race or maybe it's because the movie came out in Winter when it's clearly a summer flick, I'm prepared to bet that she's another Pocahontas/Tiana.

A Disney rep said they're not even going to add her to the Disney princess line so she doesn't even get that distinction. There's some BS reason like "the film doesn't speak about her lineage." I think Pocahontas merchandise must just sell pretty terribly in modern times compared to classic princesses and they're hesitant to put in another heavily ethnic character to include in Princess merchandise.

You're right about Moana merchandise being on store shelves. I bought a Pua and that's the only merchandise that's tempted me. The movie missed out on a lot by not making Pua more prominent and making kids want to buy him.

"The plastic tips at the end of shoelaces are called aglets. Their true purpose is sinister."

[–] Zaphenzo 8 years ago

I believe that was also said about Merida, Tiana, and even Repunzel at some point in time. But all of those ended up being included.

[–] Voice-of-Discernment 8 years ago

Rapunzel - definitely not said about her. Not apart from "haters" online who wanted to see the film flop, of course. But those exist for every single movie out there. I don't think it was the case for Tiana either... I don't remember any such issue there. As for Merida yes, there was a lot of discussion the topic. But that's because Merida is Pixar, not straight-out Disney (plus let's be honest here, her film doesn't quite fit in with the rest of them!).

I'm sure Moana will be included. The whole point of making this character was to give more people representation. What would be the point in diversifying your cast of characters, when you afterwards ignore the newcomers?

[–] TheMountainThatRides23 8 years ago

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/11/business/media/a-new-disney-princesa-carries-responsibilities-beyond-her-kingdom.html?_r=2

The NY Times reported

Because the film barely mentions her lineage, the company will not be calling Moana a princess, according to a Disney spokesman.

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/moana-and-elena-of-avalor-to-not-join-the-disney-princess-lineup

This link says ethnic princesses don't sell as well as white princesses. That's why I'm speculating it's just a business move from Disney.

"The plastic tips at the end of shoelaces are called aglets. Their true purpose is sinister."

[–] rc1990 8 years ago

Yeah maybe Merida didn't really fit but she never said "I'm not a princess" (even though she doesn't like the title). Moana clearly states that she is NOT a princess. So why would she join them ? I know Mulan isn't a princess either but that's another discussion.

[–] Zaphenzo 8 years ago

Yeah, but I don't think that was an attempt at ridding her of the Disney Princess label. I feel like they just added that line purely as set up for the joke from Maui afterwards. "You wear a skirt, have an animal sidekick...you're a princess."

[–] QueenFanUSA 8 years ago

Believe me...if this movie had been a huge hit...she'd be a Disney Princess.

[–] rc1990 8 years ago

Yes but once again... Disney themselves said they had no intention to add her to the line. Adding her now would admit that the film was not that successful with young girls.

[–] Stokes83 8 years ago

She'll be in it down the road. Excluding her was a marketing ploy to try and enhance her image. The princess stuff can work for and against you.

The box office numbers aren't that great but outside of Frozen none of these movies hit anyways.

[–] carrot_handvo 8 years ago

Moana clearly states that she is NOT a princess

she's LYING to fool Mowi......
What other civilizations would she even be classifying as Princess level? She has never left the island and only knows of her people.

[–] rc1990 8 years ago

That was a in joke.. She's daughter of a chief. She's the heiress, sure but she's not a princess. Pocahontas is not a princess either.

[–] amandaef2000-917-397520 8 years ago

I seen big Maui dolls on shelf at walmart. Maybe it is the price chasing people away. They were asking 49 dollars per doll.

[–] Neelis 8 years ago

So far, I haven't encountered any Vaiana merchandise in stores here (the Netherlands), there is plenty to be found online though.

There are two Lego sets too (one of Moana with her catamaran, it includes Maui and Heihei, the other of a village hut, waterfall and including Pua) - I'm not sure yet if I'll get my hands on those, as I have no specific interest in Lego, though both sets could be used to create a nice little display of her island.

As for how it sells; no clue. I did pick up the soundtrack soon after seeing the film.

[–] Mike1388 8 years ago

I want to buy Heihei merch!!

Moana's Review:https://meshthemoviefreak.wordpress.com/2016/12/18/7-pros-and-cons-disneys-moana-2016/

[–] Judy_Hopps 8 years ago

My local DS has sold out of Puas

It's called a hustle, sweetheart. BOOM!

[–] DarklordRB 8 years ago

I've seen Lego Moana sets. Unfortunately, Lego never made a Lego figure of Tamatoa.

[–] toddchavez 8 years ago

If that's true then that's sad.

I have to wonder, though, if kids love the non-Frozen modern Disney movies, why don't they buy it's merchandise? It doesn't make any sense! They sure bought for the merchandise for Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King but the only movie they want to buy merchandise for is Frozen?