Well the good news is that I was told from the highest source possible that they are making a purchase of steins; just not in major quantities. I am glad.
To clarify, I think most everyone here was saying that no one expects the park to carry a whole warehouse full of steins like AB did in the olden days of yore- but to just abandon quality for the sake of a few bucks is just wrong.
It is a balancing act in sales. What brings people in and what sells. The expensive German steins bring people in; the cheap stuff (in mass quantity) sells.
However, it must also be taken into account that items like the steins, clocks, Venician Masks, Waterford Crustal, etc.. are things that pass member routinely look at and admire, much like a famous painting. It is in many ways -entertainment- an experience.
Have I bought a stein- yes. Have I bought a clock yes- the more affordable ones. I am not rolling in money. In fact, when I got my little clock, I had to stretch my budget to buy the one little one with the owl on it. That clock is now by my computer desk and I am looking at it right now as I type this. I also know the next year it was discontinued and had I not bought it- I would have lost out on the chance forever.
I have bought (Lord only knows how much) tons of park memorabilia over my life. Very few equal the pride and joy I felt carrying my clock home and finding a spot for it on my wall.
To clarify, I think most everyone here was saying that no one expects the park to carry a whole warehouse full of steins like AB did in the olden days of yore- but to just abandon quality for the sake of a few bucks is just wrong.
It is a balancing act in sales. What brings people in and what sells. The expensive German steins bring people in; the cheap stuff (in mass quantity) sells.
However, it must also be taken into account that items like the steins, clocks, Venician Masks, Waterford Crustal, etc.. are things that pass member routinely look at and admire, much like a famous painting. It is in many ways -entertainment- an experience.
Have I bought a stein- yes. Have I bought a clock yes- the more affordable ones. I am not rolling in money. In fact, when I got my little clock, I had to stretch my budget to buy the one little one with the owl on it. That clock is now by my computer desk and I am looking at it right now as I type this. I also know the next year it was discontinued and had I not bought it- I would have lost out on the chance forever.
I have bought (Lord only knows how much) tons of park memorabilia over my life. Very few equal the pride and joy I felt carrying my clock home and finding a spot for it on my wall.