Schleich Worlds of Play Capture the Globe

Detailed Figurines Stand Proud With Quality Detail and Historical Accuracy

By Elizabeth Greenspan
January 2010

“Schleich now has a 70-percent share of the collectible figurine market internationally and is distributed in more than 70 countries.”

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Schleich produces realistic, high-quality animal, historical and fantasy toys. The fun and beautiful figurines appeal to both children and collectors. TDmonthly Magazine recently spoke with Matt Dawes, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Schleich North America, and former VP of specialty sales at RC2. He talked about the company’s history and why its figurines and play worlds mean so much for children’s playtime.

Schleich was founded in Germany in 1935 by Frederich Schleich, a maker of plastic products. His company originally made protective clothing and safety glasses, but introduced the first bendable figurines in 1950 and began marketing them in toy stores throughout Germany.

The figurines entered the United States in 2000-2001 and were immediately recognized for their high quality. They were sold only in specialty stores, so brand awareness was low until they gained distribution at Toys “R” Us and Target.

From 1960 to 1980, Schleich acquired the licenses to various figurines, including the Muppets and Peanuts. Schleich was also licensing Smurfs at this time. The popularity of Smurfs ebbed and flowed, and in the 1990s it was necessary for Schleich to expand its product offering.

CREATING WORLDS OF PLAY

The company first focused on animals, specifically farm life. This introductory line was successful, so Schleich moved into wildlife products. In 2003 we developed and introduced World of Elves, World of the American Frontier and World of Knights.

Our figurines are designed and developed in Germany by our product development team, which consists of designers, sculptors and painters, and our marketing team. The sculptors and painters use dynamic profiling to ensure that the figures are as accurate and realistic as possible. Historical accuracy is ensured through researching written events, pictures or drawings from the time period.

We decide to develop new items based on gaps in our current line. When developing products we consult with parents, teachers and children and try to determine how the items will fit within our current portfolio.

Several years ago a fantasy line — the fairies, elves, etc. — was launched. Given some activity in the market from books and movies, our fantasy line has grown nicely. We're developing product that will enable Schleich to further enhance the line.

GROWING THE WORLD OVER

Schleich now has a 70-percent share of the collectible figurine market internationally and is distributed in more than 70 countries. We manufacture our figurines in Germany and other countries.

The current challenge in North America is to grow brand awareness. The quality and detail found in Schleich products makes the figures come to life for children. We know that once children get into the imaginative play world of Schleich, they will continue to use our products for years.

Our website features a store locator, product information, contests and more. We’re continuing to build our site to make it more store and consumer friendly.

The overall sales strategy for Schleich is to maintain our core specialty business while evaluating opportunities that would enable the brand to grow without jeopardizing the current high-profit margins retailers enjoy by selling the Schleich brand. On several occasions in the past year, Schleich was approached by a retailer to buy and sell our products. I believe this is the best example of the strength of the brand — when consumers are asking retailers to stock the Schleich brand in stores we have not yet approached.

The one piece of advice I would offer to someone just starting out in the toy industry is: Have fun! Although we’re ultimately judged by sales and profit, we’re bringing a product to market that should bring a smile to children’s faces. At the end of the day we’re selling toys, and it should be an enjoyable experience for all involved.

See some products from Schleich:

Apatosaurus by SCHLEICH NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The dinosaur Apatosaurus (formerly Brontosaurus) was one of the largest land animals that ever existed. This enormous plant-eater had a long neck, a long whip-like tail, a hollow backbone, peg-like teeth in the front of the jaws, and four massive, column-like legs. This hand painted replica is sculpted in close cooperation with the Natural History Museum of the Humboldt-University Berlin.
— "Schleich animals sell all the time. We have a large display in the back," Candace Gooch, owner of At Once All Agog in Limerick, Maine, told TDmonthly in March 2010. She noted her store sells a few dozen Schleich animals per week.
— In a Summer 2011 survey, two out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that Schleich was their best-selling brand of action figure.
— In an August 2013 survey Dean Smith, owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly that Schleich animals are one of the store's best-selling collectible lines. 11/5/2009 (MSRP: $31.99; Age: 5 and Up)

World of Elves: Antylar dragon by SCHLEICH NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The evil Antylar dragon has an impenetrable coat of scaly armour. Only the bravest knights and elves dare fight against Antylar in order to protect their homes from its attacks. Antylar has large veined wings, yellow eyes and a thorny head measuring an impressive 12" x 11.8" x 9". Antylar will definitely stirs up things in the World of Elves. 11/5/2009 (MSRP: $46.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Zebra – Female by SCHLEICH NORTH AMERICA, INC.

This zebra is part of Schleich’s extensive collection of wild animal figurines. Launch date: January 2009. 10/29/2009 (MSRP: $6.99; Age: 3 and Up)

World of Elves: Surah by SCHLEICH NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Surah, the lost one. Fate separated the sisters Surah and Sera, as one calamitous night Surah fell into the clutches of the princess of darkness.
— Schleich figures are top sellers at the Toy Shop of Concord in Concord, Mass., Storeowner David Hesel said in December 2009. “They just put in a beautifully backlit displayer [at the end of October], and business has gone up 40 percent since,” he told TDmonthly. 10/29/2009 (MSRP: $14.99)

Brainy Smurf by SCHLEICH NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Highly detailed and hand painted, Brainy Smurf stands as a member of Schleich’s large host of licensed figurines from the Smurfs cartoon series. The spectacled know-it-all stands with finger raised, as if in mid-explanation.
— “Smurfs are always popular,” remarked Barbara Paeth-Haas, owner of The Durango Kid in Durango, Colo., when asked about her best-selling collectible toy in July 2009.
— Of 49 retailers interviewed by TDmonthly in summer 2009, two noted Smurfs as a top-selling collectible. 8/18/2009 (MSRP: $3.49; Age: 3 and Up)

Knight with Two-Handed Sword by SCHLEICH NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Whether nobly defending his kingdom or leading an invading force, this knight is ready to for any enemy. Sculpted and hand painted in a costume inspired by historic wear, with detailed textures and expression, this warrior stands proud with his broadsword raised. It is part of Schleich's extensive line of knight and fantasy figurines.
― Of 49 retailers surveyed in July 2009, six said knights are the top-selling theme in their action and play figures.
— ''Schleich figures have started selling again – the knights and horses,'' stated Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks in Easton, Md. She sells about 12 per week. 8/11/2009 (MSRP: $5.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Kangaroo by SCHLEICH NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Intended to reflect nature on a smaller scale, Schleich's detailed model of an alert mother kangaroo carrying her new baby is molded in durable plastic and hand painted. The lifelike detail of her fur, the color variations in her coat, and both animals' faces will help enrich inventive play time.
― “Schleich animals are a steady seller,” said Kathleen Tutone, owner of Treehouse Toys in Portsmouth, N.H., in July 2009.
― When asked about her best-selling action or play figures, Lesa Smith, owner of Whiz Kids in San Luis Obispo, told TDmonthly, “We really only do the animals, just from Schleich. We love Schleich.”
― Forty-seven percent of 49 retailers said in summer 2009 that Schleich is a top-selling brand in their stores. 8/11/2009 (MSRP: $5.49; Age: 3 and Up)