The O.J. Simpson Trial: A Goldmine for Merchandisers

The O.J. Simpson trial has turned into a goldmine for merchandisers, with everything from trading cards to T-shirts, and from books to video games. The public's fascination with the case has led to a surge in demand for products bearing Simpson's image or related to the trial. The merchandise ranges from the mundane to the bizarre, reflecting the public's obsession with the case.

Key Takeaways:

• The People vs. O. J. Simpson, an interactive CD-ROM, was released by Turner Broadcasting for less than $20, providing an interactive companion to the trial.
• Trading cards, such as In Pursuit Of Justice, are selling for $10 to $20, featuring full-color images of Simpson and other key figures in the case.
• The signature editions of Simpson's trading cards, signed in jail and dated, are expected to be worth $500 to $1,000.
• POGs, a popular kids' game, features Simpson on a slammer for $5, with images of him smiling or frowning depending on his supposed guilt or innocence.
• The "O. J. T," a T-shirt with 12 photos from the case, is selling with the slogans "Free O. J." and "Let The Juice Loose].
• Shindana Toys' O. J. Simpson doll, originally sold for $10 in 1975, is now going for $300 to $400.
• A wristwatch featuring Simpson's mug shot is selling for $29.95.
• Various books, such as Juice: The O. J. Simpson Tragedy and O. J. Simpson: American Hero, are being published, some with dubious credentials.
• Comic books, such as The O. J. Simpson Story: The Case for the Defense, and The Nicole Simpson Story: The Case for the Prosecution, are also being released.
• Video offerings include A Question of Evidence: The O. J. Simpson Hearing, ABC News Turning Point: Inside The O. J. Simpson Story, and O. J. Simpson: Football Legend.

Statistics:

• The CD-ROM, The People vs. O. J. Simpson, sells for less than $20.
• The signature editions of Simpson's trading cards are expected to be worth $500 to $1,000.
• Shindana Toys' O. J. Simpson doll, originally sold for $10 in 1975, is now going for $300 to $400.
• The wristwatch featuring Simpson's mug shot sells for $29.95.
• 51 minutes of highlights from the arraignment and preliminary hearing are available on A Question of Evidence: The O. J. Simpson Hearing.
• ABC News Turning Point: Inside The O. J. Simpson Story and ABC News Nightline: The End of the Search for O. J. Simpson are available for people who love O. J. and Peter Jennings and Ted Koppel.
• O. J. Simpson: Football Legend, with host Michael Jordan, is available for people who remember Simpson's football career.

Sources:

• The Palm Beach Post
• Turner Broadcasting
• USA Today
• Sportslook magazine
• Cox News Service
• The Globe supermarket tabloid
• Shindana Toys
• Fox
• Playboy
• ABC News
• Paramount