• A figurine of Liam Neesom’s character Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace is for sale at Meltdown Comics and Collectibles in Los Angeles. Robyn Beck / AFP
    A figurine of Liam Neesom’s character Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace is for sale at Meltdown Comics and Collectibles in Los Angeles. Robyn Beck / AFP
  • A vintage Star Wars poster for sale at Meltdown Comics and Collectibles in Los Angeles. Robyn Beck / AFP
    A vintage Star Wars poster for sale at Meltdown Comics and Collectibles in Los Angeles. Robyn Beck / AFP
  • An original figure of Star Wars’ Jedi Master Yoda is on display at Meltdown Comics and Collectibles in Los Angeles. Robyn Beck / AFP
    An original figure of Star Wars’ Jedi Master Yoda is on display at Meltdown Comics and Collectibles in Los Angeles. Robyn Beck / AFP
  • Customers shop for Star Wars collectables at Meltdown Comics and Collectibles in Los Angeles. Robyn Beck / AFP
    Customers shop for Star Wars collectables at Meltdown Comics and Collectibles in Los Angeles. Robyn Beck / AFP
  • Misty chooses a new Star Wars toy at a Petco pet store in Los Angeles. Valerie Macon / AFP Photo
    Misty chooses a new Star Wars toy at a Petco pet store in Los Angeles. Valerie Macon / AFP Photo
  • Leashes for pets are for sale at Petco in Los Angeles. Valerie Macon / AFP Photo
    Leashes for pets are for sale at Petco in Los Angeles. Valerie Macon / AFP Photo
  • Funko Pop Star Wars action figures line the shelves at Meltdown Comics and Collectibles in Los Angeles. Robyn Beck / AFP
    Funko Pop Star Wars action figures line the shelves at Meltdown Comics and Collectibles in Los Angeles. Robyn Beck / AFP

Fans flock to pick up early Star Wars merchandise — in pictures


Evelyn Lau
  • English
  • Arabic

Disney is pulling out all the stops before the release of the new Star Wars movie with a massive merchandising blitz expected to reap billions. The push to drive up excitement for the film began in earnest in September — nearly four months before Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens hits screens — and has been mounting since, with ecstatic fans around the globe snapping up advance tickets along with products related to the film's beloved characters.