Sometimes Disney merchandise can get the best of you…and your wallet. 💵
There’s so much merchandise to choose from — clothing, character-specific merch, holiday apparel, and so much more! If you’ve ever wondered how much Disney really makes off its merchandise, we’ve got some answers. Turns out, you’re not the only one spending a LOT of money on Disney stuff!
According to License Global magazine, Disney made $56.2 billion dollars (yes, billion with a “B”) in retail sales of licensed products in 2021. This made Disney the TOP licensor in the entire world in 2021. These numbers come from the annual ranking published by License Global magazine. That list “ranks the performance of brands’ licensed consumer products at retail for fiscal year 2021.”
The amount Disney made in 2021 was actually about $20 billion more than the second company on the list, Dotdash Meredith.
In 2020, Disney made $54 billion in retail sales (and ranked #1 in the world as well). Part of the reason for Disney’s success could be the number of channels through which its merchandise is delivered, including shopDisney, the Disney parks, and local and mass-market retailers.
License Global also notes that Disney Consumer Products, Games, and Publishing, as the world’s largest licensing business, works with top brands like Mattel, LEGO, Funko, Hasbro, and others, to develop products that appeal to different types of consumers. And Disney is one of the world’s largest licensors when it comes to games across different platforms.
Where did other companies fall in comparison to Disney when it comes to those 2021 numbers? Well, at #4 was WarnerMedia/Warner Bros. Consumer Products with $15 billion in retail sales in 2021. At #5 was The Pokemon Company International with $8.5 billion in sales, followed by Hasbro with $8.4 billion in sales, and then NBC Universal/Universal Brand Development with $8.3 billion. You can see the full list from 2021 below.
Disney did close a large number of its Disney Stores throughout the U.S. in 2021 and the situation with merchandise, movies, and more keeps changing. So it’ll be interesting to see just how Disney does in 2022. Given the fact that it made 20 billion more than its closest competitor in 2021, however, we expect it could dominate the licensing and retail sales market once again.
Looking to snag some popular Disney merchandise but don’t want to pay full price? Click here to see some of the best Disney deals you can grab on Amazon. Don’t forget that Amazon Prime Day is coming up, and we’ll be covering ALL of the deals you can get during that limited time, so stay tuned for all the updates. And, as always, keep an eye on DFB for all your Disney news!
Click here to check out all the Disney World 5oth Anniversary merch you can get online!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Which company were you expecting to find on the list? Let us know below!






Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.

TRENDING NOW
Gideon's Bakehouse just dropped a huge announcement!
Some changes are coming to the Magic Kingdom in May.
Disney World just filed NINE permits for this project!
April has delivered some incredible Disney discounts!
Utilizing this perk will require some planning.
We've got a major update about the opening of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The...
These 5 big changes will impact your summer vacation at Disney World.
The Disney Dining Plan is back for 2027 -- with a NEW tier!
Disney World just released ticket prices for 2027!
Disney just dropped the FULL track list for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets...
One of our favorite Magic Kingdom restaurant hacks is going away next month and we're...
We've been raving about this Magic Kingdom snack for years, and it still holds up!
You definitely need this before your next Disney World trip -- here's why!
HUGE supports have just gone up for Hollywood Studios' new Monsters, Inc. coaster!
Here's the list of 2026 Extended Evening hours for Disney World in 2026.
As part of the 2026 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, it's time to explore Caribbean...
A new snack has arrived in Hollywood Studios.
We tried a customizable Mickey Bar at Disney Springs, and these are our thoughts!
We're visiting Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland today to try a new drink! Check...
If you're a fan of deep cuts, forgotten classics, and retro style, these four Loungefly...