Viral Stuffed Monkey
Folks Going Bananas on Ebay After IKEA Sells Out
Revealed
An IKEA plush toy is formally swinging into resale insanity … trigger TMZ has realized some sellers are asking for severe money after the retailer offered out.
The frenzy began after viral images confirmed Punch, a monkey at Ichikawa Metropolis Zoo in Japan, clutching IKEA’s DJUNGELSKOG orangutan plush for consolation. The candy second blew up on-line, and buyers rushed to seize the identical stuffed sidekick.
Now? It’s a flipping frenzy. A fast scan of eBay reveals listings as excessive as $350, with others going for $269.99, $240, and properly over $100 … an enormous markup from the toy’s unique $20 IKEA value. Some sellers are even tacking on hefty delivery charges, pushing totals even increased.
IKEA noticed a pointy spike in demand over the previous a number of days, notably in Japan, the US and South Korea. We’re advised shops in these areas are actively working to restock after stock was worn out.
Javier Quiñones, CEO and CSO of IKEA U.S. and now Industrial Supervisor at Ingka Group, tells TMZ … the orangutan plush has lengthy been one of many retailer’s most sought-after toys, however Punch’s viral story has given it “a little extra love.”
TMZ has additionally realized … after seeing the social media buzz, IKEA Japan reached out on to the zoo. Final Tuesday, the corporate donated a number of delicate toys, together with further orangutans and storage objects, to boost areas for kids visiting.
As for Punch, IKEA says it sincerely hopes he’ll ultimately really feel snug across the different monkeys and gained’t want the plush for reassurance.
Till then, one monkey’s consolation toy is cashing in huge.
