Big Bucks Over Star Wars Toys

It's no secret that George Lucas is set to make a fortune of stellar proportions when Star Wars is released in May - however, he could stand to make up to $2 million before the film even opens. The vast array of Star Wars merchandise is set to hit retail shelves on May 3, over two weeks before the premiere of Lucas' Star Wars: Episode One - The Phantom Menace. In typically exuberant American fashion, some stores have even decided to open their doors at midnight to sell the toys. Toy giant Toys R Us has already announced that a staggering 703 of its stores across the US will open their doors at 12:01 am for the hardcore Star Wars junkies. Among its offerings of Hasbro-made products, talking action figures and a Jabba the Hutt doll that drools green goo. In a statement, Toys R Us executive Denny Williams said, "Wherever we can open at 12:01 am, we will. Our customers are big Star Wars fans, and they deserve first crack at the tremendous amount of product on our shelves." But as always, the competition is hot. Wal-Mart - who opens half of its 2,400 stores 24 hours anyway - is also ready to sell Star Wars paraphernalia at the stroke of midnight, flooding the locals not only with Phantom Menace toys, but peripheral gear such as T-shirts, bedding, body soaps, skateboards, books, towels and food. "When customers enter the store on May 3, they will feel a Star Wars presence," Wal-Mart spokesman Les Copeland told USA Today. Musicland Stores Corp. however, will be treating May 3 "almost like a holiday," a spokesperson stated. Its stores are to keep normal hours but it has stated that Phantom Menace store displays and special merchandise areas will be "elaborate". The day after the madness over the toys begins - May 4 - the John Williams soundtrack is released on Sony Classical. What's more, Rhino also releases the official Phantom Menace audiobook on the same day. So in the space of 48 hours, the entire Star Wars merchandise will be unleashed onto the salivating market. Finally, on May 12, all the food-related rubbish such as cups, toys and food itself hits the major fast food chains. There is no escape. Star Wars merchandise will be here soon and few will be able to resist the power of the Force.