This episode of Toy Federation offers a nostalgic journey through 1980s and 1990s pop culture, making it a must-listen for YouTubers interested in vintage toys and retro collectibles! Hosts Ryan, Travis, and Andy dive deep into beloved icons, from Pee-wee Herman's memorable moments to the intriguing origins and lore of classic cartoons like Thundercats. Listeners will hear fascinating personal stories about collecting rare Star Wars memorabilia, such as the "Revenge of the Jedi" photos, and humorous tales of ordering items from comic book ads. Beyond the toys, the podcast discusses classic fashion trends like JNCO jeans and Members Only jackets, and shares anecdotes about the unmonitored childhood adventures of the era, from playing war in strangers' yards to elaborate fireworks displays. If you're a fan of '80s and '90s nostalgia, collecting, or simply enjoy a trip down memory lane discussing iconic characters and cultural shifts, this podcast provides an insightful and entertaining experience.#toys #toycollector #toystore WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials!*Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation*Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop*Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!*Our Horror Convention September 5-7, 2025: Retro-Horrorcon.com*Our Toy Convention November 21-23, 2025: Retro-Toycon.comTOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccjWATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federationCOME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650Monday 10 AM–7 PMTuesday 10 AM–7 PMWednesday 10 AM–7 PMThursday 10 AM–7 PMFriday 10 AM–7 PMSaturday 10 AM–8 PMSunday Closed

Join Ryan, Travis, and Andy from Toy Federation as they dive into the fascinating world of toy gimmicks! In this episode, they discuss everything from beloved classics like glow-in-the-dark figures, rocket-firing prototypes, and cap gun action features to less successful innovations such as pre-posed action figures, messy slime toys, and the obscure Tacky Stretchoid Warriors. They also share insights from running a toy store and organizing toy shows like Retro-Toy Con, covering the business of toys, collecting challenges, market trends, and the curious phenomenon of "speaking toys into existence". Whether you're a fan of He-Man, GI Joe, Ninja Turtles, Star Wars, or more niche lines like Starcom and M.A.S.K., this podcast offers an insightful and entertaining look at collectible toys and the toy industry that's perfect for any toy enthusiast!

#toys #toycollector #toystore

BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!

*Our Horror Convention September 5-7, 2025:Retro-Horrorcon.com

*Our Toy Convention November 21-23, 2025: Retro-Toycon.com

TOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:

*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv

*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf

*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccj

WATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36

BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federation

COME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person!

104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650

Monday 10 AM–7 PM

Tuesday 10 AM–7 PM

Wednesday 10 AM–7 PM

Thursday 10 AM–7 PM

Friday 10 AM–7 PM

Saturday 10 AM–8 PM

Sunday Closed

Join Ryan, Andy, and Travis on the latest Toy Federation podcast, a must-listen for YouTubers interested in toys from the 1980s to the 2020s, offering a deep dive into toy collecting, nostalgia, and the current market. In this episode, the hosts recount the incredible success of their store's grand expansion, highlighting record sales and surprising insights into what vintage action figures and modern toys sold best. Discover their observations on popular lines like Star Wars, G.I. Joe, Inhumanoids, Toxic Crusaders, Silverhawks, Master of the Universe, DC Superpowers, Battle Beasts, Transformers, Power Rangers, and Marvel Legends. They also discuss the unique challenges of the toy business, the changing landscape of toy advertising, and share engaging stories about collecting various Indiana Jones figures and vintage cereal premiums. This podcast is your ultimate source for comprehensive toy talk, market trends, and a healthy dose of shared collecting experiences across decades.

#toys #toycollector #toystore

BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!

*Our Horror Convention September 5-7, 2025:Retro-Horrorcon.com

*Our Toy Convention November 21-23, 2025: Retro-Toycon.com

TOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:

*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv

*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf

*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccj

WATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36

BUY Toy Federation MERCH! http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federation

COME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person!

104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650

Monday 10 AM–7 PM

Tuesday 10 AM–7 PM

Wednesday 10 AM–7 PM

Thursday 10 AM–7 PM

Friday 10 AM–7 PM

Saturday 10 AM–8 PM

The Toy Federation Podcast is back, offering a blend of expert insight and conversational discussion about the world of toy collecting. Primarily focusing on action figures, the podcast dives into topics like navigating complex toy variations found in lines such as Star Wars and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles while examining the impact of major toy company license changes like those involving DC Comic properties and Power Rangers. The hosts share experiences from running a busy toy store, discussing the challenges of buying and selling toy collections from across the country and even the world, dealing with variations in packaging, and identifying retro figures versus originals. Tune in to learn about toy market trends and get an inside look at the toy industry!

#toys #toycollector #toystore

BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!

*Our Horror Convention September 5-7, 2025: Retro-Horrorcon.com

*Our Toy Convention November 21-23, 2025: Retro-Toycon.com

TOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:

*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv

*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf

*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccj

WATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36

BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-fed...

COME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person!

104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650

Monday 10 AM–7 PM

Tuesday 10 AM–7 PM

Wednesday 10 AM–7 PM

Thursday 10 AM–7 PM

Friday 10 AM–7 PM

Saturday 10 AM–8 PM

Sunday Closed

The Golden Age of Toy Hunting: The Thrill of the Chase at Walmart and Toys "R" UsIn the era before online shopping became the norm, toy hunting was a thrilling adventure that involved physically scouring the aisles of big-box stores like Walmart and Toys "R" Us. This golden age of toy hunting, spanning from the late 1970s through the 1990s and early 2000s, was characterized by the excitement of the hunt, the joy of discovery, and the camaraderie among fellow collectors.The Quest for TreasuresDuring this time, toy collectors were on a constant quest for the latest and most coveted action figures, vehicles, and playsets. Popular lines like Star Wars, G.I. Joe, Transformers, He-Man, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles dominated the shelves, and finding that elusive figure was often a matter of being in the right place at the right time. The thrill of the chase was a significant part of the allure. Collectors would frequent their local Walmart and Toys "R" Us, knowing that restock days were their best bet for finding new and rare items.The Allure of Star WarsOne of the most sought-after lines during this golden age was Star Wars. From the original Kenner figures released in the late 1970s and 1980s to the Power of the Force series in the 1990s, Star Wars toys captured the imaginations of both young fans and adult collectors. The challenge of completing a collection, particularly with limited-run figures and exclusives, added to the excitement. The anticipation of finding a new Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, or the latest vehicle from a galaxy far, far away was a driving force behind many a toy hunt.The Role of Big-Box StoresWalmart and Toys "R" Us were the epicenters of this toy-hunting phenomenon. Walmart, with its ubiquitous presence, offered convenience and accessibility. Its toy aisles were always well-stocked with a wide range of action figures and playsets. Toys "R" Us, on the other hand, was a veritable wonderland for toy enthusiasts. With entire sections dedicated to various toy lines, it provided an immersive experience where collectors could lose themselves for hours. The sight of those long aisles filled with colorful packaging and the latest releases was nothing short of magical.The Thrill of the HuntWhat made this era truly special was the unpredictability and excitement of the hunt. Collectors would often form networks, sharing tips on when certain stores would restock or where a rare figure had been spotted. The camaraderie among collectors created a sense of community, with enthusiasts bonding over their shared passion. Flea markets, garage sales, and toy conventions also played a significant role, offering additional avenues for discovery and trade.Nostalgia and LegacyToday, the golden age of toy hunting is remembered with fond nostalgia. While online shopping has made acquiring toys more convenient, it lacks the tangible thrill of physically searching store shelves. The memories of rushing to Walmart or Toys "R" Us, hoping to find a new release or a hard-to-find figure, are cherished by those who experienced it. This era left an indelible mark on the toy-collecting hobby, shaping the way collectors appreciate and engage with their treasures.In conclusion, the golden age of toy hunting at Walmart and Toys "R" Us was a time of adventure, excitement, and community. It was an era when the journey was just as rewarding as the destination, and the joy of discovery created lasting memories for collectors of all ages.Like and Subscribe!

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Whatnot is a live-streaming marketplace app designed for buying and selling collectibles. It provides a platform where sellers can host live auctions, showcasing items such as trading cards, toys, comics, sneakers, and other collectibles. Buyers can join these live streams, interact with sellers in real-time, and place bids on items they're interested in. The app emphasizes a social, community-driven experience, allowing users to engage with one another through chat and live interactions. Whatnot also provides a layer of trust and security with its verification processes for sellers and buyer protection policies.Like and Subscribe!

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G.I. Joe Night ForceG.I. Joe Night Force is a sub-line of the popular G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toy series, produced by Hasbro. Introduced in 1988, Night Force consists of a specialized team within the G.I. Joe organization, focused on nighttime operations. This elite team is designed to undertake missions under the cover of darkness, leveraging their expertise in stealth, reconnaissance, and covert operations to thwart the plans of Cobra, their arch-nemesis.History:The Night Force concept was developed to expand the G.I. Joe universe and provide a new dimension to the toy line. By emphasizing night operations, Hasbro created an opportunity to reissue popular figures with new color schemes and accessories, appealing to both new and existing fans. The initial release in 1988 included a variety of figures and vehicles, all characterized by darker, more subdued color palettes suited for night missions.Figures:The original Night Force lineup featured re-deco versions of existing G.I. Joe characters, each equipped with updated gear for nocturnal engagements. Some notable figures from the Night Force series include:Shockwave: The Night Force version of Shockwave, the G.I. Joe SWAT specialist, came with a darker color scheme and additional accessories to aid in night missions.Outback: This survivalist was reissued with a black and green outfit, perfect for blending into the night.Psyche-Out: The psychological warfare expert received a new dark uniform, enhancing his ability to operate undetected.Muskrat: Known for his skills in swamp fighting, Muskrat's Night Force version featured camouflage suited for nighttime jungle operations.Tunnel Rat: As an expert in underground operations, Tunnel Rat's new look ensured he could move silently through the shadows.Charbroil: The flamethrower specialist was given a darker, more tactical appearance for covert operations.Vehicles:Night Force also included a series of vehicles designed for stealth and nighttime combat. These vehicles were repainted in darker hues to fit the Night Force theme. Some notable vehicles include:Night Blaster: A recolored version of the Persuader, this armored vehicle was equipped for nighttime assaults.Night Raider: A reissued Raider vehicle, optimized for night missions with a new dark color scheme.Night Boomer: A black version of the Skystriker, the Night Boomer was designed for air superiority during nighttime operations.Night Storm: An all-terrain vehicle, perfect for stealthy movements across various landscapes under the cover of darkness.Legacy:The Night Force sub-line remains a beloved part of the G.I. Joe franchise. Its unique focus on nighttime operations and the visually striking color schemes have made Night Force figures and vehicles highly sought after by collectors. Over the years, Night Force has seen various re-releases and updates, continuing to capture the imagination of fans who appreciate the tactical and stealth aspects of the G.I. Joe universe.Conclusion:G.I. Joe Night Force stands out as an innovative and exciting chapter in the G.I. Joe saga. By specializing in night operations, the Night Force team added depth to the overall storyline and provided fans with an array of new and reimagined characters and vehicles. This sub-line exemplifies the creativity and versatility of the G.I. Joe brand, maintaining its relevance and appeal decades after its initial release.Like and Subscribe!

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