Non-fungible token (NFT) Pudgy Penguins has made a significant move by expanding its presence into 2,000 Walmart stores, marking a milestone in its journey.
The introduction of Pudgy Toys in Walmart's nationwide locations not only enhances the brand's reach but also underscores its distinctive approach.
Pudgy Penguins has successfully merged community-driven intellectual property (IP) with cutting-edge social media and blockchain technology.
This collaboration with Walmart, a retail giant, serves as a validation of Pudgy Penguins' impact in the digital collectibles market, boasting an impressive $400 million in transaction volume.
What sets these toys apart is their dual nature – they are more than just plushies.
They serve as a gateway to the digital Pudgy World, powered by the zkSync Era blockchain.
This digital realm offers an interactive multiplayer environment, allowing users to engage, play games, and customise their Forever Pudgy character.
Each toy includes a unique birth certificate with a QR code that grants access to special traits for the corresponding digital Forever Pudgy.
Moreover, Pudgy Penguins has added an exclusive twist by incorporating traits from prominent NFT brands like Meebits and DeGods into their toy designs.
Notably, all these toys are intricately linked to their existing NFT IP, ensuring that every sale of a toy at Walmart generates royalty fees for the respective NFT owners.
The CEO of Pudgy Penguins, Luca Netz, explained the brand's vision:
“Pudgy Penguins is at the forefront of transforming the toy industry, merging unique digital experiences with blockchain technology, like Ethereum and zkSync. Our years of effort in brand development and community engagement through social media and the blockchain have now been magnified with Walmart's support.”
Brittany Smith, Vice President of Merchandising for Toys at Walmart US, expressed her excitement regarding this partnership:
“Pudgy Penguins is bridging the gap between our physical and digital worlds of play for kids in a really engaging way and their price point is right in line with our goal of providing everyday low prices. I’m excited to add them to our assortment!"
The Pudgy Penguins team asserts that these toys mark a pioneering venture as the first mass-market product directly licensed from a community-driven project.
Walmart's inventory will feature 16 distinct Pudgy Toys, encompassing exclusive Ice Chrome figures and enigmatic Blind Boxes that add an element of surprise for shoppers.
Customers also have an opportunity to discover golden tickets, which unlock special digital traits within the Pudgy World.
These toys, crafted by PMI Kids' World, a brand that produces toys of famous cartoons or popular shows, such as WWE, are priced between $2.99 and $11.97, and they can be found at select Walmart locations.