[imagesource: Netflix]

Netflix has been around for almost two decades now, although it only started offering subscribers the option to stream movies and television shows in 2007.

That fact makes me feel a little old, but Netflix only started offering subscriptions to South Africans in 2016, one year after the idea of ‘Netflix and Chill’, which really put it on the map.

Now the streaming giant is expanding into e-commerce with the launch of Netflix.shop, the company’s first owned-and-operated retail outlet selling curated products from its catalogue of shows and movies.

It’s looking to mine popular characters for added revenue much like Walt Disney Co. by selling toys, games, clothing, and other collectibles based on popular shows like The Witcher and Stranger Things, reports Bloomberg.

Basically, Netflix wants more money, which makes sense since password-sharing probably meant they lost out on serious bucks before they cracked down on that front.

The first launch of products includes streetwear and action figures from the anime series Yasuke and Eden, along with apparel and decorative items inspired by the French thriller Lupin.

Image: Yasuke Black Logo Hoodie / Netflix

The launch is also introducing a collection of anime-inspired collectibles from three up-and-coming designers: Nathalie Nguyen, Kristopher Kites, and Jordan Bentley, as well as Netflix logo-wear from Japanese fashion house BEAMS.

Image: Nathalie Nguyen’s Eden E92 Kendama / Netflix

Via Variety, Netflix’s VP of consumer products, Josh Simon, says the website launch is “an exciting new destination combining curated products and rich storytelling in a uniquely Netflix shopping experience.”

Simon, who joined Netflix last year from Nike, wrote that Netflix.shop will sell exclusive, limited editions of “carefully selected, high-quality apparel and lifestyle products tied to our shows and brand on a regular basis.”

Image: Eden Zero Tee / Netflix

Currently, orders can only be shipped within the United States, but Netflix said they will be expanding to other countries in the future.

Watch the space for the launch in South Africa.

[source:bloomberg&variety]