Geobra international

[Rasputin]

I was thinking now that the much loved Hans is gone and now firm ruler Hobs is also gone it is time to look to the future of geobra.

I would love to see it split up. Each branch is allowed to run itself and internally create their own identity while maintains the corporate fundamental image. They each would have their own design, production and assembly.

There could be a playmobil USA. It could buy licenses of movies such as star wars, Disney, sports teams type of contracts

Playmobil Spain,

Playmobil Russia

Playmobil EU,

Playmobil china.

Each region could make sets that are designed for their market. In china they might want all klickies who are working to be Asian while the customers are white. In one region parents might like to see women in high value jobs while a different region might like women in traditional jobs.

[playmofire]

Two immediate disadvantages I can see,

First, if each branch has its own design, production and assembly, then you lose the advantages of economies of scale and also acquire higher fixed overheads. 

Second, if you have an overall corporate image but each branch can go its own way, then where one branch produces female figure in low status jobs, it will attract criticism from the public in regions where women have high status jobs and that criticism won't be couched in terms of "Playmobil Area X is doing this", but just "Playmobil is doing this".  The end result could be buyers in one region boycott buying Playmobil because of the actions of Playmobil branches in another region.

[Rasputin]

Two immediate disadvantages I can see,

First, if each branch has its own design, production and assembly, then you lose the advantages of economies of scale and also acquire higher fixed overheads. 

Second, if you have an overall corporate image but each branch can go its own way, then where one branch produces female figure in low status jobs, it will attract criticism from the public in regions where women have high status jobs and that criticism won't be couched in terms of "Playmobil Area X is doing this", but just "Playmobil is doing this".  The end result could be buyers in one region boycott buying Playmobil because of the actions of Playmobil branches in another region.

Those are good concern that should be addressed with care.

The economy of scale, hmmm could producing it at one location per the country specific set requirements work. Produce the molded parts in country x, have them assembled at country z, sent it off to country a,b,c to fulfill their own order

The individual values concern, well each country has it own value structures already and the world works to a point. We all can not have the exact same values as this would destroy individuality.

It's quite complicated, thanks for bring it up  there is a creative solution though

[tahra]

I would love to see it split up. Each branch is allowed to run itself and internally create their own identity while maintains the corporate fundamental image. They each would have their own design, production and assembly.

NO.

Playmobil Spain ( = Iberia = what we get here) would bankrupt in a month or two. And we'd be left with nothing again.

[Rasputin]

NO.

Playmobil Spain ( = Iberia = what we get here) would bankrupt in a month or two. And we'd be left with nothing again.

What was their territory? I thought these old ideas did not let them manage their own business. If Spain wanted to make a bull fighting arena (yes I know you hate it) or there is lists of famous spaniards to make, all the rich culture, the music and dancers, really sell the image of Spainish culture

[Ismene]

The day Playmobil USA sells only "American" sets is the day I quit buying Playmobil.

[Rasputin]

The day Playmobil USA sells only "American" sets is the day I quit buying Playmobil.

That is why there is now amazon international. You want a foreign set, an amazon drone will chase you down using you phone gps and drop it in your lap.

[Rhalius]

Best if its just one company since it can be difficult to maintain the quality and morals behind the toy when spread out like that. And they should never go the route of licenses since that goes against the whole philosophy if they where to introduce named characters because letting kids decide on the personalities and names of the clickies and their positions is whats encouraging creativity.

There is nothing stopping them from taking inspiration from Spain with a new medieval batch however. That would keep it very fresh with a Spanish castle which could maybe have an orange roof and light brown or white walls. Would still include knights and soldiers as usual, but they could use that light tan and mainly have black and brown hair.

As for America, both the western theme and pirate theme are very much focused on America.

A china theme could be made of course, but for that they need to become willing to make historic themes not purely focused on battle to do it properly.

And russia.. well I gues the medieval stuff applies to them mostly as well. Could be nice to maybe have a russian theme, or maybe have a medieval batch that pits the Teutonic Knights against Russia. That would be historical even. And could allow for two neutral parties, with neither portrayed as evil but still two distinct armies.

[Ismene]

As for America, both the western theme and pirate theme are very much focused on America.

I don't think American kids are into western stuff much anymore. It was trendy a couple generations ago. But I've always heard Germans like western things. Sometimes what appeals to us most is other cultures (especially when it comes to historical themes), which is why Playmobil shouldn't regionalize product ranges too much. Martin Luther is on the US Amazon for $15 and is apparently selling.

[tahra]

I don't think American kids are into western stuff much anymore.

Of course not.. That was when I was a kid (and dinos roamed the Earth) - probably most adventure movies (when we only had one or two channels and there was actually INTEREST in tv) were cowboy movies. Or cowboys and indians (who back then were mostly the bad guys).

And of course, Errol Flynn's pirate movies (not seen a proper pirate movie since.... Cutthroat Island... and that one was probably the only one for a very long time too )