Up to 50% off Masters of the Universe in 1986!
If you’ve read Mastering the Universe* then you’re familiar with how Mattel’s Masters of the Universe toys cratered in the eighties. From hundreds of millions in sales a year to cancellation, the toyline is still today a fantastic lesson in excess inventory and over-selling product into the market.
And here, in this 1986 newspaper ad, we see some early indications that things are about to go bad for Mattel and Masters of the Universe. This small ad block offers up both Princess of Power and Masters of the Universe toys at up to 50% off. Additionally, the ad lists a manufacturer’s rebate; someone at Mattel was trying to get ahead of the oncoming collapse of the line. It’s too bad there weren’t earlier actions to save Masters of the Universe.
Related articles
- “Hassenfeld toying with success of Hasbro Inc.” (battlegrip.com)
- Masters of the Universe Classics Third Party Skeletor Head (battlegrip.com)
- Spotted Online – Masters of the Universe Classics Goat Man Review at 16bit.com (battlegrip.com)