Mego Museum Trade Ad and Press Archive

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Why the Licensing Surge?-- Because it Sells!

Most large tradeshows have daily newsletter, a photocopied journal of daily events bound around some colour advertising printed earlier, these staples are largely just thrown away during or shortly after the show. Thanks to the ever resourceful Reggie Bibby, we have the 1976 New York Toyfair newsletter, an "On-the-scene summary of industry news and opinion" that is an incredible window into what was the heyday for Mego Corporation.

Mego had been so stranger to using spectacle to gain buyer attention, a year previous the company had held a Gala Ball to launch it's Wizard of Oz line, the event, where buyers were able to mingle with the stars if the classic film garnered millions of units in opening orders

The two big launches for 1976 were Muhammad Ali and Sonny and Cher,Mego marketing dubbed it the "Vamp and the Champ"

Rival Azrak-Hamway, was busy launching it's McDonalds line of figures but Mego outclassed everyone as evidenced by the amount of buzz they were generating.

Mego signed Sonny and Cher exclusively, fending off giants such as Mattel to earn a spot in the girl's aisle finally.

Mego brought the celebrities, here they gave buyers and the press the opportunity to meet with the world heavyweight champ to unveil his new toy line. Star Trek cast members were in attendance but perhaps that is mentioned in another daily. Former VP Neal Kublan mentioned that the Champ was an incredible gentleman at the appearance and even took time to play with his son Chris.

If that wasn't enough, Mego invited Buyers to a free Sonny and Cher concert, the duo's variety show was a huge hit and this was a major coup for the World's Greatest Toy company.