McDonalds launched their Fairy Tales Hello Kitties on the first Thursday of June. The very adorable Hello Kitty comes in hand-held size, and dressed in the costumes of the classical fairy tales such as Wizard of Oz, Little Red Riding Hood and Ugly Duckling.
At only $4.60 with every Extra Value Meal purchase, it is not hard to find the entire population in this little island going all ga-ga for the kitties. In fact, it has stirred up quite a craze and even police were involved in some interventions between buyers and restaurant managers.
Needless to say, my family was also drawn to the Hello Kitties; with my sister being the No. 1 fan of the lovely cat without a mouth.. Hahaha!!
Rianne was especially excited to get her hands on every Fairy Tale kitty. Unfortunately due to the high volume of delivery orders and the suspension of delivery as a result of the haze, we did not manage to get the kitty which was available only through delivery.
We were just 1 more to the complete collection of the Fairy Tale Hello Kitties (apart from the delivery kitty), and so we were determined to have it by hook or by crook.
We were very clear that we have to take action on Wednesday night instead of only buying on Thursday morning. There is no doubt that many people are taking the same approach as us, but never did I expect the mania to go full blown island-wide!
The attached pictures were taken by myself when in line at Sun Plaza where me & Rianne started queuing at 10.40pm, 1hr 20mins before sale time. Also at Marina Square on Thursday morning at 7.30am. I even scouted for my cousin's help to try to get the kitty for me. One of the pictures is him at KK Hospital around 6.30am, and then subsequently at 7.30am.
In the end, did me or my cousin managed to buy the Hello Kitty????????
To end this post, I'd just like to share my feedback about this Hello Kitty mania; and hoping that McDonalds may take them into consideration when planning the next Hello Kitty launch. On the list are also some pointers for folks disappointed by the whole mania, and wishing they absorb their experience as a learning lesson for a successful attempt next time.
For McDonalds:
1) Do not launch a super popular toy/character plush on a weekday. People need to work to make enough to patronize you.
2) Do not over publicize/advertise the launch. You are making kids and loving parents lose sleep.
3) Management needs to plan and roll out an implementation process that is consistent through-out. Not some stores selling 20 toys to 1 person, and others limit 4 toys per person.
4) Engage security instead of using your own staff to deal with angry patrons. Worst, don't call the police when your staff are incapable of fending off verbal/physical (if there are) abuse. This is not good customer service.
5) If a queue is expected, please exercise the necessary safety measures to prevent people from falling off kerbs or getting knocked down by cars exiting carparks.
6) Lastly, think if it is necessary to make some toys available through another channel, i.e. delivery. If it is, ensure that there is no hase in SG or not hailing.
For disappointed folks:
1) Keep it to yourself when/where you are planning to go buy/queue for the toy. Broadcasting it on FB is dumb.
2) Do not give your kids high hopes by gurantee-ing them a toy. You end up regretting making that promise.
3) Do not agree to buy the toy for others if you only need one for yourself. Everyone should queue for their own, then we don't even need the limitation of 4 toys per person.
4) Safety first. The kitty may be desirable, but your life's definitely worth more!
5) Do not succumb to the temptation of the black market sellers. The more people buy from them, they will always be in demand and that takes away your right/chance to own the toy everytime!
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