Pudgy Penguins toys will be sold in 2000 Walmart stores, causing NFT sales to double

Popular NFT collection Pudgy Penguins has made a groundbreaking move by launching its Pudgy Toys collection in 2,000 Walmart stores across the United States. This strategic expansion into the physical world is expected to bring a significant boost in exposure and popularity to the beloved digital penguins.

On this day, Web3 enters a Brave New World.

Pudgy Toys, with Pudgy World, are now available in 2,000 Walmarts in the USA. pic.twitter.com/UP8npUxCr3

— Pudgy Penguins (@pudgypenguins) September 26, 2023

Each Pudgy Toy comes with a unique birth certificate, enabling owners to claim exclusive traits for their digital ‘Forever Pudgy’ character within Pudgy World. By simply scanning a QR code, users can unlock these traits in an online virtual world built on the zkSync Era blockchain.

How did the news affect sales of Pudgy Penguins NFTs?

After an unexpected collaboration with Walmart, sales of Pudgy Penguins skyrocketed.

In the last 24 hours:

• The NFT collection had trading volume of 610 ETH, equivalent to approximately $1 million, a significant increase of 280%.
• Accordingly, the number of sales has increased, and over the last 24 hours it is 122, which is 260% more than the previous day.
• The collection’s minimum price also increased significantly by 7%, reaching 5.2 ETH (approximately $8,200). With a market cap of 46k ETH (around $73 million), Pudgy Penguins has certainly caught the attention of investors and collectors.

Walmart’s Stamp of Approval

Walmart, one of the world’s largest retailers, has effectively endorsed Pudgy Penguins by featuring their toys in their stores. Walmart will stock 16 different types of Pudgy Toys, with prices ranging from $2.99 to $11.97.  This move underscores the growing interest in bridging the gap between physical and digital experiences, signaling a new era of consumer engagement.

Mainstream Recognition for NFTs

While NFTs are often scrutinized for their volatility and niche appeal, Pudgy Penguins’ partnership with a retail giant like Walmart signifies a significant step towards mainstream recognition. Integrating physical products into established platforms presents an opportunity for NFT collections to engage with a broader audience and build stronger brands.

Since its inception in 2021, Pudgy Penguins has achieved remarkable success, accumulating an impressive $400 million in sales. This achievement is attributed to the brand’s innovative use of social media and experiential marketing, setting it apart from other NFT collections.

This isn’t the brand’s first foray into physical toys. Pudgy Penguins first started selling physical toys in May 2023 through Amazon, where the brand saw $500,000 in purchases over the first two days, surpassing 20,000 individual toys sold. And in August of this year, 150 Pudgy Penguins collectible physics toys called “Left Facing” sold out in just 8 seconds.

A Unique Twist and Royalties for NFT Owners

The Pudgy Penguins collection introduces a unique twist by incorporating exclusive traits from notable NFT brands like Meebits and DeGods into their toy designs.

This is not just a moment for Pudgy Penguins, but rather a moment for all of Web3.

All traits unlocked with a toy from Walmart will feature branding from various Web3 brands, such as @MeebitsNFTs, @DeGodsNFT, and more! pic.twitter.com/WljHokonJu

— Pudgy Penguins (@pudgypenguins) September 26, 2023

This integration means that every time a toy is sold at Walmart, the respective NFT owners will earn royalty fees. Walmart will offer 26 Pudgy Toys, including exclusive Ice Chrome figures and mystery Blind Boxes, providing shoppers with a chance to discover unique digital traits in Pudgy World.

Pudgy Penguins’ CEO, Luca Netz, sees this collaboration as a way to introduce mainstream audiences to NFTs and blockchain technology. The toys are not just products; they represent the first mass-market product licensed directly from an NFT community.

With the backing of Walmart’s extensive reach and a strong presence in the digital and physical realms, Pudgy Penguins is pioneering a new era of NFT engagement and innovation, all while making waves in the collectibles market.