Star Wars merchandise mania to hit shops
Star Wars mania will be unleashed this weekend when Revenge of the Sith merchandise hits shops worldwide.
Armies of action figures, electronic lightsabers, clothes and Lego will be on sale as the countdown begins to the final instalment of the epic saga, which opens on May 19.
Many shops will open at midnight to unveil the latest toys, which include cuddly Darth Vaders, metal space vehicles and a Star Wars DVD edition of Trivial Pursuit.
The brand is expected to generate profits of up to €173m this year for toy manufacturer Hasbro.
This weekend, fans will get their hands on everything from Revenge of the Sith M&Ms to a Mr Potato Head Darth Tater.
An Anakin Skywalker lightsaber changes colour from red to blue as you switch from the light to the dark side, while Yoda’s offers audio training tips and Obi-Wan Kenobi’s provides a Feel the Force vibration.
A Chewbacca action figure waves his arms in rage when you squeeze his leg and a foot-tall interactive Yoda, says the line: “Aah, the Force I sense in you. Teach you more, I can.”
Products from the original 1977 Star Wars, which included bed sheets, cereal and dolls, have become collectors items.
