Chimpers Expands Into NFT-Linked Blind Box Collectibles

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Long-running Ethereum NFT collection Chimpers is expanding its footprint, teaming with IP incubator 223 to produce physical collectibles, starting with a plush keychain blind box collection featuring the cartoonish Chimpers characters.

The brand, which has amassed millions of followers across social media platforms, will sell its Series 1 collectible exclusively through 223’s online marketplace, with plans to expand into retail in the future.

“We’ve built a following of over 1.8 million, but the real goal is turning fans into believers. That shift happens when people can hold a piece of the Chimpverse in their hands,” Chimpers co-founder Jacob Timperley told Decrypt.

He said that 223’s “experience and network will bring the Chimpverse to life in a whole new way and allow the Chimpverse to grow, inviting new audiences to discover and engage with us.”

The brand’s Series 1 plush keychain collectible will be sold via a blind box, or packaging that conceals the content within, providing the purchaser with a surprise upon opening. Once revealed, the buyer will be able to further engage with the Chimpverse utilizing 223’s NFC technology, which will unlock an NFT proof-of-collectible, a digital card on Ethereum layer-2 network Base, and more.

“For lifestyle character brands, plush is the emotional centerpiece. It’s what fans gift, carry, photograph, and bring into their daily lives. It’s often the first product that gets passed down, displayed, or treasured, so it holds significant meaning and is key to start with,” 223 founder Cole Gurman told Decrypt.

In the future, though, the brand plans to expand the line, but “every product will stay true to the Chimpverse,” Timperley added.

Other NFT collections have expanded beyond their digital roots into physical collectibles in recent years, like Pudgy Penguins. The Ethereum NFT collection created its own toy line called Pudgy Toys that ultimately found its way to the retail shelves of Walmart—and led to more than $10 million in toy sales in less than a year.

"Pudgy Penguins has been a trailblazer in this space, proving what’s possible when you combine strong IP with smart distribution," said Timperley. "Their success has opened doors for the entire space unlike any other."

"That said, our brand is different, our story is different, and the way we got here is different," he continued. "There will never be a shortage of IP, but the ones that truly break through the noise are those that create emotional resonance and build a wide reaching distribution network... we believe Chimpers is well positioned to be one of those standout success stories to prove that Web3-born IP can break out into mainstream."

Chimpers plush keychains will be sold at an affordable price point, according to Timperley, and Chimpers NFT holders will be guaranteed a spot in the presale. Users will be able to pay via fiat or crypto to secure their plush keychain.

“This first online release is one of many small, but intentional moves that will drive long-term discovery and growth for Chimpers,” said Timperley.

“223 and Chimpers will be giving our fans one-of-a-kind experiences and opportunities. We’re not thinking small—this is the start of something much bigger,” Gurman said.