Through partnership with collectible-maker Funko Inc., figurines of basketball stars such as LeBron James will be available for sale at Foot Locker, Inc. Bloomberg reported on Monday that the $15 James figurine, which is equipped with a one-of-a-kind Los Angeles Lakers jersey, will be available for customers to purchase at 215 House of Hoops outlets owned by Foot Locker this week. 

Other figurines of the NBA stars, featuring James Harden of the Houston Rockets, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knicks, will be offered for a sale at a price of $13 each early in 2019. The companies said Foot Locker plans to sell Funko’s products, such as Bobbleheads and vinyl figures, at about 60 stores in the United States.

Most recently, Foot Locker becomes the high-profile retailer to establish store space for Funko’s Inc., a top manufacturer that produces licensed pop culture and collectibles. Last month, Target Corp. and Walmart Inc. have added collectible products from merchandise brands to the shops. Funko has also produced licensed collectibles for movie and TV characters and pop stars. 

Foot Locker and other sports retailers experienced sales slowdown last year as customers moved forward with e-commerce store options from traditional retail. Nike is dominating the sportswear and footwear brands in terms of athlete endorsement, and Foot Locker is utilizing Nike products to drive revenue. James is one of the few athletes to sign a ‘lifetime’ endorsement contract with Nike. 

The Everett, Washington-based company reported that net sales in the licensed pop culture collectibles business increased 24 percent to $176.9 million in the most recent fiscal quarter driven by expanded portfolio, global footprint and increased demand from the global audience. As of Monday, Funko’s stock skyrocketed by 114 percent this year. 

Photo Source: Sole Collector