Pudgy Penguins expands the Pudgy Toys line to 3,100 Walmart stores, including 30 exclusive toys, demonstrating growth from digital NFTs to tangible consumer products with royalty payments through OverpassIP.
Nationwide expansion
Pudgy Penguins, known for its digital NFT collections, is expanding its retail footprint with an expanded toy collection available at major US retail chain Walmart. As of February 20, 2024, Pudgy Penguins announced that its Pudgy Toys line will be stocked in an additional 1,100 Walmart stores, bringing the toys to a total of 3,100 Walmart stores nationwide. The move marks a significant expansion of Pudgy Penguins since they first launched in 2,000 Walmart stores in September 2023.
exclusive toy collection
The new release includes 30 unique Pudgy Toys, including Lil Pudgys Igloo collectibles and action figures available exclusively at Walmart. The toy aims to bridge the gap between digital and physical play, with QR codes unlocking digital traits and collectibles within Pudgy World, an online game built on zkSync Era, a layer 2 blockchain.
NFT Community Participation
Pudgy Penguins’ blockchain technology integration extends to the NFT holder community through OverpassIP. The platform allows NFT holders to submit their digital assets for licensing and receive royalties from sales of those physical toys. “Expansion into additional Walmart stores along with exclusive toy offerings highlights the enduring appeal of the Pudgy Penguins characters,” said Luca Netz, CEO of Pudgy Penguins. Still in beta, OverpassIP represents a pioneering approach to digital asset licensing and community engagement, and represents a shift in how NFTs are leveraged for real-world utility.
The Pudgy Toys line produced by PMI Kids’ World is a top seller on Amazon across three categories and earned Toy Insider’s Top Summer Toy of 2023 award. Prices for this line range from $2.99 to $11.97. The improved packaging design and introduction of the Blind Box Collection series for plush toys are among the latest updates to the Pudgy Penguins brand.
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