Someone explain Tsum Tsums please

[Taylor'sMom]

My DD just described she likes these (the mini plush, specifically) ND wants to start a collection. I figured they were just like a small stuffed animal you could get in lots of stores and whatever. But after searching for just a few minutes, I'm seeing posts about "release dates" and them selling out in minutes? So can someone explain the deal with these....
I've some in stores like Walmart/Target, etc. and at the parks... are some universally available and continually remade but others limited edition and sold out fast?
Are new ones yet to be made or have we missed the bandwagon?
She likes The Little Mermaid and The Lion King... are those available?

Someone give me a Tsum Tsum 101 please...

 

[supernova]

I can't help much, but I know I have seen the Lion King ones at WDW.

 

[kellyjeanie]

They're in most stores now, there are a ton available at Target and quite a few at Walmart. Like the previous poster said they're also at WDW. I think I've seen Lion King recently at Target and Little Mermaid at Walmart. The Disney Store releases a new set every 2-4 weeks, the first Tuesday and then mid-month. In the past it's been a Disney set on the first Tuesday, like from an animated movie, and then the mid-month is Marvel or Star Wars. I'm not sure how they'll be remaking the sets that show up at Target and Walmart. The ones that come out at The Disney Store are gone once they sell out but not all sets sell out immediately. They start showing up in Target and Walmart some time after. I saw the Dory ones at Walmart pretty quickly. It seems like the Mickey and Friends are always available. If there's a set that she has to have completely that's coming out I'd find out the release date and stalk the Disney Store but if she's just looking to start a collection I'd try Walmart and Target and see what you find.

 

[Rhie]

They are kinda like the Beanie Baby crazy way back in the day. They release new ones all the time, because that's an excellent way to market them. Usually they release new ones around the the release date of a new movie. Eg Big Hero 6 ones when the movie came to video. Some of them will be around a lot, some are rare. Some are also store specific. Target sells some that Walmart can't sell, and Hot Topic also has an exclusive set. And of course there are ones you can only get a Disney or from a Disney store. But even rarer/limited edition/exclusive ones you can get on secondary sell sites like ebay, craigslist and Amazon - at least for a little while.

I collect them too, but not really seriously. If I see one in Target or Hot Topic I like, I grab it. If she really wants to collect them I'd suggest starting with a movie at a time or a type of character. Eg collect all the villains or everything related to Alice in Wonderland. That will make the search more focused.

Happy Hunting!

 

[figment_jii]

Tsum Tsums started in Japan and then were introduced here in the US (and other countries). Initially they weren't terribly popular, but around the time they released the Little Mermaid series the popularity picked up and I don't think they had anticipated this because new ones sold out within minutes of being released online (at the DisneyStore.com). The Peter Pan series was the last one that was really hard to get. Now, they seem to be lasting a lot longer online and in stores, so (I think) the supply has drastically increased. As mentioned, the Disney Stores (online and in malls) generally get new Tsum Tsums twice a month (first and third Tuesday of the month). For example, on Tuesday, November 1st they'll be releasing the new set for Moana. You can see what's currently available here: https://www.disneystore.com/disney-tsum-tsum/mn/1024503/

The Parks also have Tsum Tsums, but they often don't get them for a few weeks after the Disney Store release date (except the Park-themed ones, like the Haunted Mansion, PotC, Adventureland, etc.). They also sell them at Wal-Mart, Target, JC Penny, and Hot Topic.

In addition to the plushes (which come in multiple sizes), there are also vinyl/plastic Tsum Tsums.

This fan site has a lot of good information (just note that it covers all things Tsum Tsum, including the international releases, the game, etc.).
http://www.tsumtsumcentral.com/Blog.aspx

 

[Taylor'sMom]

Thanks! I've learned a lot and have picked up a handful from various places- Walmart, Target, JCpenney, DisneyStore online and even FiveBelow. And I have a cart full on Hot Topic's webtsite should I decide to get more. Now its hard to stop!!!