Paddington might be heading to Peru, but good luck finding a cuddly version of him on U.S. store shelves. Through word of mouth on film Twitter (RIP), many cinephiles got Paddington-pilled and were all in when Paddington 2 opened, and are now excited for the much-delayed stateside release of Paddington in Peru. However, finding any merchandise tied to the new movie is proving to be a bear of a task.
The film’s staggered release schedule is the likely culprit. While the film has already charmed audiences in other parts of the world, its U.S. debut isn’t until 2024. This delay seems to have thrown a wrench in the merchandising machine. Retailers are hesitant to stock up on Paddington plushies, toys, and other goodies when the movie they’re tied to is still months away. It’s a frustrating situation for fans eager to celebrate their love for the marmalade-loving bear.
Where are all the Paddington Plushies?
Seriously, where are they? I’ve searched high and low. My local toy stores are a Paddington-free zone. Online retailers offer slim pickings, mostly leftover stock from the previous films. It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack, or perhaps a marmalade sandwich in an empty picnic basket. The scarcity has made finding Paddington merch a real collector’s quest, which, let’s be honest, adds a layer of difficulty that not every fan wants to deal with.
This whole situation reminds me of the time I tried to find a specific, limited-edition plush toy for my niece. It was a sparkly purple unicorn with a rainbow mane, and she was obsessed. The toy had been a holiday exclusive, and by the time I started looking, it was January. I scoured every toy store within a 50-mile radius, coming up empty-handed each time. The online resellers were asking for exorbitant prices, like something out of a fairytale gone wrong.
Finally, in a moment of desperation, I posted about my plight on a local parenting forum. Within minutes, I received a message from a woman who claimed to have the very unicorn I sought. She even lived in my neighborhood! Overjoyed, I arranged to pick it up later that day. When I arrived at her house, I was greeted not by a kind stranger, but by a gaggle of giggling Girl Scouts. Turns out, they had orchestrated the whole thing as a fundraising project. They had several of the unicorns, brand new in their boxes, and were selling them for a reasonable price (with all proceeds going to their troop’s cookie-selling campaign). I happily bought the unicorn, relieved my quest was over and amused by their entrepreneurial spirit.
Then, there’s the time I went on a wild goose chase for a particular brand of hot sauce. My friend raved about it, describing it as a flavor explosion that would change my life. Naturally, I had to try it. The problem was, this hot sauce was apparently made by a small, independent company and sold only in a handful of specialty stores. My friend, being somewhat unhelpful, could only vaguely recall where he’d bought it, something about a “quirky little shop near the river.”
So, armed with this vague description, I spent an entire Saturday afternoon wandering along the riverfront, popping into every shop I could find. I visited antique stores, bookstores, even a shop selling handmade birdhouses. No hot sauce. Just as I was about to give up, I stumbled upon a tiny, unassuming grocery store tucked away in an alley. And there it was, on a shelf in the back, a single bottle of the elusive hot sauce. I bought it, of course, and while it was good, it wasn’t exactly life-changing. My friend had clearly exaggerated, but the adventure of finding it was definitely a story worth telling.
The Impact on Fans
The lack of readily available Paddington in Peru merchandise is a disappointment for fans. It makes it harder to celebrate the film and share their enthusiasm. Hopefully, as the U.S. release date draws closer, the merchandising situation will improve. Until then, fans might have to get creative, crafting their own Paddington-inspired items or seeking out rare finds online. Just please, don’t resort to paying outrageous prices from scalpers. Nobody wants to see Paddington become a victim of the black market.
Let’s hope that soon, finding Paddington merch will be as easy as finding a jar of marmalade in his suitcase.
