As Star Wars’ latest instalment hits screens across the UK, we take a look at what retailers are doing to cash in on the sci-fi saga.

Profits from the Star Wars franchise to date have been driven by retail sales, according to the London School of Marketing

Star Wars retail sales infographic

Profits from the Star Wars franchise to date have been driven by retail sales, according to the London School of Marketing

Retail sales of Star Wars merchandise and products signficantly outweighed the franchise’s box office sales in the US, according to figures from the London School of Marketing (according to data above).

The cinematic phenomenon’s latest instalment was released this week and retailers have thrown themselves into the Star Wars spirit full force.

Asda kicked off its Star Wars campaign in September with a midnight opening of 50 stores selling themed merchandise.

Since then, the supermarket has done prize giveaways and sold Star Wars-branded food in its top 10 stores as well as releasing an advert promoting its Star Wars merchandise earlier this month.

Tesco held events across its store estate on December 12 to 13 and, in its Wembley store, children were invited to dress as their favourite Star Wars characters.

Here’s a look at how grocers and shoppers were getting involved in the Star Wars fun on social media:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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