May the 4th Be With You: How Custom Packaging Helped Star Wars Expand Their Reach

May the 4th Be With You: How Custom Packaging Helped Star Wars Expand Their Reach.

In the world of film and entertainment, Star Wars is a franchise that needs no introduction. Since its inception in 1977, the series has become a cultural phenomenon that has spawned multiple sequels, prequels, and spinoffs. But what many fans may not know is that the success of the Star Wars franchise can be attributed, in part, to the innovative custom packaging design work that has accompanied the films over the years.

In the late 1990s, Star Wars was preparing for the release of its prequel trilogy, with The Phantom Menace set to hit theaters in 1999. To generate excitement and anticipation for the new films, the franchise turned to custom packaging design. The result was a range of products featuring eye-catching designs and unique packaging, such as the iconic Jar Jar Binks lollipop with a character-shaped handle and the Darth Maul cereal box with a red lightsaber spoon.

the iconic Jar Jar Binks lollipop with a character-shaped handle and the Darth Maul cereal box with a red lightsaber spoon

But the benefits of custom packaging design didn't stop there. By creating unique and memorable packaging experiences, Star Wars was able to not only generate buzz and excitement for their upcoming films but also expand their reach and connect with a broader audience. The innovative packaging designs helped the franchise tap into new markets and attract customers who might not have otherwise been interested in Star Wars products.


In addition to expanding the franchise's reach, custom packaging design also helped Star Wars increase sales and revenue. By offering limited edition and collectible packaging designs, the franchise was able to create a sense of urgency and exclusivity that drove sales, increased revenue, and grew the Star Wars fanbase.

The success of Star Wars' custom packaging designs did not go unnoticed. In 1999, the franchise won the Packaging Design award at the British Design and Art Direction awards, beating out other well-known brands such as Coca-Cola and Cadbury.

Image source: https://www.ilm.com/vfx/star-wars-episode-i-the-phantom-menace/

The lessons learned from Star Wars' custom packaging success can be applied to other businesses looking to expand their reach and connect with new customers. By investing in unique and memorable packaging designs, businesses can create excitement and generate buzz for their products. Custom packaging also provides an opportunity to differentiate from competitors and create a sense of exclusivity that can drive sales.


The Star Wars franchise's innovative custom packaging designs played a significant role in expanding their reach, connecting with a broader audience, and increasing sales and revenue. By leveraging custom packaging design, Star Wars was able to generate excitement and buzz for their products, tap into new markets, and create a sense of anticipation and exclusivity that drove sales.

As we celebrate May the 4th, we can all take note of the power of custom packaging and consider incorporating it into our own branding strategies.

Let us help you find the right packaging solution.

Packaging can be a major brand differentiator. Merchant Boxes is a partner for people and organizations large and small that want to get the most out of their packaging and in-home brand experiences. Let’s make it meaningful. We’ll design and get you the right packaging when you need it. Experience more with Merchant Boxes.

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