Collectables brand Funko Pop! is struggling to off load inventory and now plans to eliminate approximately $30 million to $36 million dollars worth of product.
The backlog has left Funko's warehouses overstuffed, and forced the company to rent storage containers to hold the unsold stock of vinyl figurines with oversized heads.
The cost of this extra storage is eating into Funko's bottom line. The company reported a $47 million loss in the fourth quarter of 2022. Funko explained that its inventory totaled $246 million in 2022, up 48 percent from the year before.
"This includes inventory that the Company intends to eliminate in the first half of 2023 to reduce fulfillment costs by managing inventory levels to align with the operating capacity of our distribution center," Funko said in a press release.
While Funko cited waning demand as one reason for the surplus, the collectables market overall continues to grow.
"As we move forward, we remain laser focused with a high sense of urgency to build an operating foundation to support the long-term growth opportunities we envision for Funko, our partners and stakeholders," said CEO Brian Mariotti.
President Donald Trump is talking up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, will start building out data centers and the electricity generation needed for the further development of the fast-evolving AI in Texas, according to the White House. The initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum. While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout of data centers and electricity plants needed for the development of AI.
Chris Ruder, Spikeball Founder and CEO, explains how he and his friends put roundnet on the global map, plus, how Spikeball helps people "find their circle."
J.W. Roth, CEO of Venu Holding Corporation, discusses the company's IPO and plans to redefine live music entertainment with their fan founded, fan-owned model.
Variety's Clayton Davis discusses why more than just the 1% are struggling after the LA fires. Plus, how awards shows will pivot to help victims. Watch!
Emily Hosie, CEO of Rebelstork, explains the concept of Returns Recommerce, plus how her company raised $18M to address the industry-wide issue of returns.