Kidrobot is one of the world’s largest and most recognized creators of limited edition designer vinyl toys, which are a unique hybrid of sculpture, art and toy. In addition, the company now produces a wide range of products, including art prints, apparel and accessories. They’ve also licensed out some of the world’s most popular entertainment brands, with collaborations with Disney, Nickelodeon, Marvel and DC, among others.
When Was Kidrobot Founded?
Kidrobot was founded in 2002 by noted entrepreneur Paul Budnitz (who would later go on to found the social network Ello, as well as a variety of other ventures). Budnitz was inspired to launch the company after he had seen a variety of vinyl art toys on a trip to Asia. Shortly after, he began importing toys from Japan and eventually opened a brick and mortar retail location in San Francisco.
Soon, Kidrobot began to produce their own toyline, working with noted graphic designer and illustrator Tristan Eaton. The company eventually relocated from the Bay area to New York City where they opened yet another physical retail store, and would later go on to open additional stores in Los Angeles, Miami, London, Los Vegas and Boulder.
Kidrobot, however, is most notable for their Dunny and Munny line of vinyl toys. These signature figures have quickly become one of the company’s iconic creations. The original Dunny featured artistic designs from a variety of groundbreaking urban artists and designers, including Huck Gee, Dalek, Nathan Jrevicius and Amanda Visell. The Munny, however, is sold as a blank item which individuals could decorate themselves. Thousands of additional Dunny toys have since been created over the years, along with countless other new products and designs.
Who Owns Kidrobot?
After being largely independently owned and operated for almost a decade, in 2014 – after facing a series of store closures and potential bankruptcy – Kidrobot announced that it had been acquired by NECA (the National Entertainment Collectibles Association); an American company best known for its linke of toys based on popular film and television properties. As of 2022, Kidrobot is still owned by NECA.
Where is Kidrobot Located
Currently, the company is based in Broomfield, Colorado.
Where to Buy Kidrobot
Kidrobot products can be found on their website, as well as a variety of select physical retailers and online toy shops like Entertainment Earth. Many Kidrobot toys also end up on the collector’s market through eBay where there remains a brisk trade. In many cases, Kidrobot toys can bring in a solid return on investment from the secondary collector’s market.
How Long Does Kidrobot Take to Ship?
According to Kidrobots’ own shipping policy, delivery times can vary within the US, but the estimate is about 5-10 business days, with roughly 48 hours of prep time. That means it may take up to a few weeks to see an order (so bear that in mind when planning your purchase). International shipping to Canada, the UK, Australia and other countries can take significantly longer, potentially taking 30 days or more.
Is Kidrobot Legit?
For collectors, Kidrobot remains one of the most trusted and legitimate creators of high end designer toys. Kidrobot figures can retail anywhere from $5 to $25,000, and many appreciate in value over time. Notably, a variety of Kidrobot art toys were featured at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, which has further added to the brand’s cache. Today they remain incredibly unique in the field of collectibles in that they’re celebrated as both toys and legitimate works of art.
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