28 Sep 2010 21:10:33
As many collectors have felt, the Japanese economy is not in a great state at the moment. At 83 yen to the US dollar as of today, the yen's value is soaring to the point where it's hurting Japanese imports. Remember back in the 90s, when it was around 230 yen to the dollar? Even with this grim outlook, there is hope on the horizon for the land of the rising sun.
The Japanese government is working their absolute hardest to decrease the value of the yen. At the rate they're currently going, they're aiming for around 100 yen to the dollar by the end of the year. While 130 or so would be nice, I think even 100 to-the-dollar would be a huge improvement.
And retailers are doing their part to help bring import rates back up, too. recently announced a new sales plan of theirs that will go into effect October 1st at 6 P.M., JAPAN TIME. Specifically, they're going to be offering all items from here on out for an undisclosed percent (probably 10%-20%) off their MSRP, presumably in an attempt to compete with Amiami and Hobby Search. They're also going to be doing sales less often, but with bigger discounts.
There is a catch, though. To coincide with this big reboot, all of their currently-running sales will be ending early, again at October 1st, 6 P.M. JAPAN TIME. However, given that their most notable sales are some 40% shelfwarmer Revoltechs (most people have already gotten the ones they want), I'm willing to sacrifice this sale.
This is your last chance to get a Getter for a better price.
But you can definitely decline the discounted derp, if you so desire.
Overall, I think this new strategy is one of the best things to happen for a long time. HLJ has wonderful service and much cheaper shipping than Amiami, and they list new items much later. For example, the October reissue of Revoltech Lazengann sold out on Amiami in about 20 minutes, yet HLJ still has it. Now imagine the better availability for a price that will (overall, counting shipping) be equal to or cheaper than Amiami's. Yum.
This was kind of testing the waters. Should I do more articles on the economy as it affects figure-collectors?
The Japanese government is working their absolute hardest to decrease the value of the yen. At the rate they're currently going, they're aiming for around 100 yen to the dollar by the end of the year. While 130 or so would be nice, I think even 100 to-the-dollar would be a huge improvement.
And retailers are doing their part to help bring import rates back up, too. recently announced a new sales plan of theirs that will go into effect October 1st at 6 P.M., JAPAN TIME. Specifically, they're going to be offering all items from here on out for an undisclosed percent (probably 10%-20%) off their MSRP, presumably in an attempt to compete with Amiami and Hobby Search. They're also going to be doing sales less often, but with bigger discounts.
There is a catch, though. To coincide with this big reboot, all of their currently-running sales will be ending early, again at October 1st, 6 P.M. JAPAN TIME. However, given that their most notable sales are some 40% shelfwarmer Revoltechs (most people have already gotten the ones they want), I'm willing to sacrifice this sale.
This is your last chance to get a Getter for a better price.
But you can definitely decline the discounted derp, if you so desire.
Overall, I think this new strategy is one of the best things to happen for a long time. HLJ has wonderful service and much cheaper shipping than Amiami, and they list new items much later. For example, the October reissue of Revoltech Lazengann sold out on Amiami in about 20 minutes, yet HLJ still has it. Now imagine the better availability for a price that will (overall, counting shipping) be equal to or cheaper than Amiami's. Yum.
This was kind of testing the waters. Should I do more articles on the economy as it affects figure-collectors?
