Retail reports are showing low sales for ash and fire items because recent wildfires have made real ash a health hazard, while Avatar: Fire and Ash merchandise faces delays from a movie release shift. People in places like Los Angeles are dealing with toxic ash from wildfires that settled after smoke plumes and can get kicked up again by winds or cleanup work.https://laist.com/brief/news/climate-environment/los-angeles-ash-air-quality-miles-time-explainer This dusty stuff comes from burned homes, paints, and furniture, carrying harmful chemicals that make folks avoid buying ash-related products or cleaners right now.[1] Experts say ash could linger for months in cities and years in rural spots, so shoppers with kids, seniors, or weak immune systems are steering clear of outdoor gear or fire-themed decor that might stir up bad memories or risks.https://laist.com/brief/news/climate-environment/los-angeles-ash-air-quality-miles-time-explainer[1]
On top of that, fire items tied to Avatar: Fire and Ash are not moving fast. The movie got pushed from December 17, 2025, to 2026 after a tragic high-rise fire in Hong Kong, killing hype for related apparel, puzzles, Funko Pops, and bag charms at stores like Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Target, and Walmart.https://www.screendaily.com/news/another-world-rules-hong-kong-box-office-as-avatar-3-release-pushed-after-fire-tragedy/5211935.articlehttps://wdwnt.com/2025/12/avatar-fire-and-ash-merchandise-disneys-animal-kingdom-online-stores/[3][4] Even with strong pre-sale buzz for the film aiming at $100 to $130 million domestically, the delay means shelves stay stocked with unsold tees, glowing kits, and Enso rings instead of flying off during holiday rushes.[5][3]
Retail data backs this up indirectly. November 2025 card spending rose just 1.6% overall, with durables and apparel barely up, as shoppers focus on basics amid economic squeezes rather than niche fire or ash novelties.https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/12/12/retail-sector-signals-positive-end-to-difficult-trading-year/[2] Wildfire fears cut demand for anything evoking flames or residue, and the Avatar postponement kills timely merch sales at a peak shopping time.[1][4]
Sources
https://laist.com/brief/news/climate-environment/los-angeles-ash-air-quality-miles-time-explainer
https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/12/12/retail-sector-signals-positive-end-to-difficult-trading-year/
https://wdwnt.com/2025/12/avatar-fire-and-ash-merchandise-disneys-animal-kingdom-online-stores/
https://www.screendaily.com/news/another-world-rules-hong-kong-box-office-as-avatar-3-release-pushed-after-fire-tragedy/5211935.article
https://www.threeifbyspace.net/2025/12/avatar-fire-and-ash-gets-positive-early-reactions-high-bar-at-box-office/
