Thomas and Friends Merchandise

Thomas And Friends Merchandise

Thomas and Friends merchandise has been produced to capitalize on the success of the television series Thomas and Friends (formerly Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends). Large numbers of manufacturers have sought to produce Thomas-branded items due to the popularity and longevity of the series that originated in 1945 with the first of The Railway Series books by the Rev. W. Awdry.

The most popular and wide-ranging items of merchandise are the models of the characters, which have been produced in many different ranges, some including accompanying railway systems. Other popular products include videos, books and magazines, and computer games. 'Thomas' merchandise has also included such diverse items as: audiobooks, annuals, colouring and activity books, jigsaws, board games, stationery, clothing, cutlery, household items such as curtains, duvet covers and lampshades, and soft drinks and spaghetti shapes.

Thomas and Friends ranked number one in the preschool toys category in the U.S. and made the top 10 for the entire U.S. toy industry in 2010. In January 2011, Thomas and Friends ranked as the number-one preschool toy property in the U.K. for the 11th year in a row. Thomas is also a top-selling toy property in Australia, Germany, Japan and Korea. While the total traditional toy industry in the United States increased 1.9 per cent in 2010, overall Thomas and Friends toy sales increased over 47.1 per cent. Fisher Price bought every railway system under the Thomas & Friends name except for the Wooden Railway. This is because Fisher Price does not have enough money to buy these popular toys from Learning Curve. However, as of 2013 Fisher Price will own the rights to produce Wooden Railway as the Contract with Learning Curve (TOMY) has expired