Transformers and 'the new robotic toys' kids wanted at Xmas in 1984
Transformers and similar products didn't need in-store promotion, as kids already knew about them
The kids knew they liked them, while some adults struggled to understand what they were.
They were Transformers, a notable new toy line and cartoon phenomenon that CBC's The Journal felt compelled to explain to viewers ahead of Christmas in 1984.
As Bill Cameron told viewers, it was "a toy that starts out say as a spaceship and then turns into a robot."
Transformers, of course, were not the only toy in demand that Christmas. There were many others, including the Cabbage Patch Kids, which had popped up the year before.
As the CBC's Leslie MacKinnon reported "the manufacturer does not have to try to sell Cabbage Patch Kids in the stores, they were sold out everywhere months ago."
On the other hand, Lego sculptures, showcasing the traditional toy, were featured in a 6,000-square-foot display "worthy of an art exhibit," in a bid to grab the attention of shoppers.
"But you won't find any lavish displays of the new robotic toys, the Transformers or GoBots. Why waste the space? These toys have been on the Christmas shopping list for months," MacKinnon told viewers.
Demand for robots, robots in disguise
One such toy that had drawn a crowd of onlookers in a store CBC visited was Omnibot, which even at a selling price of $260 was "moving off the shelves," added MacKinnon.
For one independent toy store, Cabbage Patch Kids were still number one on the sales list.
"Another new series that's come in this year is Rainbow Brite ... and they're also doing very well," commented Jan Wheeldon, of Merryland Stores in Toronto.
"For boys, there's Masters of the Universe," Wheeldon continued, as she showed off some of the action figures. "He-Man is the main good guy and Skeletor is the main bad guy."
At Wheeldon's store, Transformers, unsurprisingly, were also being sold.
"This is a Transformer that converts back into a Porsche," Wheeldon said, as she held up one of the must-have toys for the camera.
"Can you do that yourself?" MacKinnon asked her.
"I can try," Wheeldon said while attempting to successfully manipulate the toy in front of the reporter.
"Kids are so much better at this," the toy-seller said.
'I like the buttons that work'
One boy, demonstrating his mastery of such a toy, explained in simple terms why he and all the other children wanted the transforming and robot toys.
"You see what I like is these actual gadgets that can actually work," he said.
"Let's say like this cassette button here, opens that, which is what I like. I like the buttons that work, not the buttons that don't work."