Mickey Mouse has appeared on millions of pieces of merchandise over the years. Despite being introduced 90 years ago, his merchandise empire is still worth billions of dollars each year.
Like the rest of his story, Mickey’s merchandise empire began humbly. Mickey Mouse had taken the world by storm, capturing the hearts of children all over the world. At the time, licensed merchandise was in its infancy, so the Disneys didn’t put much effort behind it. Mickey Mouse was seemingly tailor made for toys, however, so it would only be a matter of time before manufacturers began beating down their door. A paper tablet manufacturer stopped Walt Disney in a hotel lobby and offered $300 to produce a line of Mickey Mouse paper tablets. The studio really needed the cash, so Walt quickly agreed. The Disney merchandising empire began.
