Walmart to Sell NFT Toyline Pudgy Penguins in Stores
Walmart, the largest retailer globally, has announced that it will be selling the NFT collection Pudgy Penguins’ toyline in its 2,000 stores across the United States. Each Pudgy toy will provide access to Pudgy World, a multiplayer digital social platform built on the Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain network zkSync Era. In this platform, users can create their “Forever Pudgy” characters, play games, and interact with other users.
Pudgy Toys Available at Walmart
Walmart will offer 26 different Pudgy toys, including Plush Buddies, Clip-on Plushes, Igloo Collectibles, and Action Figures. Additionally, exclusive toys for Walmart customers are Ice Chrome and Gold Chrome collectible figures inside mystery Igloos, as well as a Blind Box with a surprise Clip-On Plush inside. The price range for these toys is between $2.99 and $11.97.
Bringing Physical and Digital Worlds Together
Brittany Smith, Vice President of Merchandising — Toys at Walmart U.S., stated that Pudgy Penguins is bridging the gap between physical and digital play in an engaging way. The affordable price point of the toys aligns with Walmart’s goal of providing Every Day Low prices.
Unique Birth Certificates and Golden Tickets
Each Pudgy toy comes with a unique birth certificate that allows users to claim unique traits for their digital Forever Pudgy character in Pudgy World by scanning a QR code. The toy designs feature traits based on IP from other NFT collections such as Meebits and DeGods. Current NFT holders connected to these toys will receive licensing royalties for each corresponding toy sold at Walmart. Additionally, Walmart customers have the chance to find a golden ticket in Pudgy toys, granting access to a rare trait for their Forever Pudgy Penguin in Pudgy World.
Availability and Background of Pudgy Penguins
Pudgy Toys and Pudgy World were initially launched in May 2022 to merge NFTs, blockchain technology, and physical toys. The toys are also available on online retailer Amazon. PMI Kids’ World manufactures Pudgy toys and also produces toys for popular brands like Fortnite and Among Us.
Pudgy Penguins: A Popular NFT Collection
Pudgy Penguins is currently the nineteenth-largest NFT collection in terms of sales volume, according to CryptoSlam data. The Ethereum-based collection consists of 8,888 NFTs featuring cartoon penguins. It was launched in 2021 but was later sold to entrepreneur Luca Netz in 2022 after the project’s founders were voted out by the community due to unfulfilled promises.
Hot Take: Walmart Embraces NFTs with Pudgy Penguins
Walmart’s decision to sell the Pudgy Penguins NFT toyline in its stores demonstrates the increasing mainstream acceptance of NFTs. By offering these digital collectibles alongside physical toys, Walmart is tapping into the growing interest in blockchain technology and providing customers with a unique play experience. This partnership between Walmart and Pudgy Penguins not only expands the reach of NFTs but also benefits existing NFT holders through licensing royalties. As NFTs continue to gain popularity, we can expect more collaborations between traditional retailers and digital creators.
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