The Pokémon Company International: over $2.1 billion in sales at retail in 2015

This year, the Pokémon franchise is celebrating its 20th Anniversary, and it’s going as strong as ever. In fact, 2015 was a great year for The Pokémon Company International, despite the lack of mainline releases (brand new entry, remake, or third version). During that year, total retail sales reached $2.1 billion, which is $100 million more than last year ($2 billion). Those sales include games, goodies, the anime series and movies, and more.

The Pokémon Company International ranked #29 in the Licence Global! Top 150 of Licensors, which means it grabbed 5 places in one year (it was #34 in the Top 150 for 2014). Licence Global! mentions that thanks to the four new Pokémon TCG expansions (but also incremental Pokémon TCG products, such as collectable tins and box sets), TCG sales in 2015 surpassed the record sales of 2014.

For 2016, Licence Global! mentions the Super Bowl commercial, which was seen by more than 110 millions people on TV (and more than 26 million times on YouTube). There’s also the various activities and goodies for the 20th Anniversary, such as retailer exclusives events and goodies, Pokémon distributions, and more.

Of course, let’s not forget Pokkén Tournament, launched in March, which did pretty well in the United States for example. But what will really leave an impact in 2016 is obviously Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, launching in time for the holiday period. The launch of new games, especially from a new gen, always have a strong impact on merchandise sales, and Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon won’t be no exception.

The impact of that release will remain quite noticeable on sales for 2017 too. In other words, 2016 and 2017 are shaping up to be great years for The Pokémon Company International.

Source: Licence Global!