RETRO toys are making a comeback this summer thanks to blockbuster film Toy Story 3.
Eager fans are snapping up toys featured in the Pixar series including Barbie’s boyfriend Ken, Slinky and the wheeled Chatter Telephone.
A host of other classic toys, such as Etch A Sketch and Nintendo Game Boys, feature in the film and are said to be selling well thanks to the movie.
Toy Story 3, which opens on July 19, features playthings from the past and present joining forces with characters Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear.
In the new flick, its main human character Andy is seen throwing out his old toys before Buzz and friends come to life and try to rescue them.
Selling spree
Mattel, which owns Fisher-Price and makes Ken and Barbie dolls, is bracing itself for a rush for the kids’ classics.
Spokeswoman Sarah Allen said: “After the success of the last two Toy Story films we expect the latest instalment to be a massive hit.”
Rupert Godson of retail website RetroToys said the characters in Toy Story ensure classic toys still appeal to youngsters.
He said: “We have seen a massive rise in the number of enquiries after the Toy Story films.
“There’s a global audience waiting to get their hands on a piece of history and that includes the UK where these toys were so popular first time around.
“Many people who had them as kids are now parents themselves so their children can share the same experiences they had.
“And in the last few months these toys from years ago have increased three or fourfold in value as the demand increases by the day.”
Long-running favourites including Mr Potatohead, buckets of plastic toy soldiers and piggy-banks are among the 400 Toy Story-themed items in the Toys R Us chain’s range.
Spokesman Mike Coogan said: “All our stores have dedicated an incredible 24ft of wall-space to the new film.”
