Zootopia 2 Merchandise Shortage Sparks Craze
Prices Double on Secondhand Marketplaces
The release of the Hollywood animation "Zootopia 2" last month has sparked a craze for merchandise, leading to a goods frenzy.
According to the retail industry on December 24, merchandise such as "Zootopia 2" plush pouches and coasters offered by coffee chains and theaters is experiencing a severe shortage. These items are being sold on secondhand websites at more than twice their original price.
Zootopia 2 merchandise is being traded at prices higher than the retail price on secondhand websites.
"Zootopia 2" Merchandise Craze: Prices Nearly Double on Secondhand Marketplaces
During the ongoing "Zootopia 2" promotion at Compose Coffee, customers can purchase one piece of merchandise for each beverage ordered. While beverage prices range from 1,000 to 5,000 won, the merchandise is being sold for up to 19,800 won. However, as these items continue to sell out, their resale prices have nearly doubled. Currently, the "Judy & Nick Plush Pouch," originally priced at 9,200 won, is being traded for over 20,000 won on secondhand apps, and the "Judy & Nick Coaster," originally 3,400 won, is selling for over 10,000 won.
Recently, Lotte Cinema and CJ CGV have also released Zootopia 2 merchandise. When searching for "Zootopia plush keyring" on portal sites, autocomplete suggestions include "how to buy," "sold out," and "restock." The official retail price for the Nick and Judy plush keyrings is 10,000 won each. However, on secondhand apps, individual plush keyrings are now being sold for 40,000 won, and sets are going for as much as 78,000 won.
Unnecessary Purchases for Collecting Merchandise... Annual Controversy Continues
Franchise coffee shops and convenience stores often attract fans by offering limited-edition merchandise. However, there are concerns that this practice is fueling the resale market. As items are resold, their prices often more than double.
More consumers are buying drinks or purchasing unnecessary products excessively just to obtain merchandise. For example, at the end of each year, customers make persistent efforts to collect "stickers" to buy a coffee shop's annual planner, which has become a recurring controversy. Some consumers even buy and sell these stickers through secondhand apps, and purchase planners and other merchandise at inflated prices.
The same trend applies to character figurines or bread products that include "Ttibuseal" (stickers that can be attached and removed). Limited-edition idol autographs and photo cards also frequently spark controversy. The desire to collect these items among fans is leading to unnecessary consumption.
Experts point out that while this is a survival strategy for companies, merchandise acts as a medium that stimulates customer psychology and encourages purchases. On X (formerly Twitter), users have posted comments such as, "I couldn't get the merchandise because it sold out again," "I bought drinks just to get the merchandise," "My daughter asked me to buy it, but I can't find it," "I want it even if I have to pay more than double the price," and "You can score one at a pop-up store."
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