FROM PASSION TO POWERHOUSE:

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Partner voices, real wins - stories, lessons, and moments that show what’s possible together

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What started with selling from a single shelf or a shoebox are today flourishing businesses: these portraits tell the stories of founders who turned their personal enthusiasm for pop culture into major market success. They demonstrate that with the right vision and a strong partnership, growth is inevitable. Be inspired by the retailers who prove that with heo, you grow together.

Actionfilmfiguren, Germany

From Side-Hustle to Seven Figures: The Power of Commitment

Founded in December 2012 as a second income stream,

Actionfilmfiguren quickly realized the potential of focused e-commerce. Founder René was immediately drawn to the

diverse and deep catalog offered by his very first B2B partner:

heo.

The pivotal moment for growth came when David decided to go all-in: ‘My best decision was switching to focus 100% on my online shop, no longer viewing it as just a second income stream.’ This commitment fueled continuous year-over-year growth, culminating in a massive milestone: surpassing one million euros in revenue in 2021.

The next leap in efficiency came with technology. After initially hesitating, the implementation of the heo API in 2024 revolutionized daily operations. What was once manual maintenance for 8,000 products transformed overnight. The shop’s product count instantly jumped to over 20,000 items, all automatically synchronized. From inventory reconciliation to price adjustments.

Today, Actionfilmfiguren serves a truly broad customer base, from children buying their first Star Wars figure to lawyers and institutions like the German Museum of Technology in Berlin. David’s advice to newcomers is simple: ‘Perseverance. It is worth it if you persevere.'

Oggetti Fantastici, Italy

The Human Connection: Building an Alliance for Growth

Oggetti Fantastici was founded in September 2017 in Italy with a singular vision: to become a central hub for pop culture and collectible merchandise. Their success is built on a passion for comics, movies, and gaming, coupled with a rigorous customer-centric, technological approach.

heo has been a vital part of the journey since the beginning. ‘The partnership began thanks to an exceptional sales representative who was always present and supportive,’ the founders recall. This relationship grew from a supplier-client link into a true strategic alliance, strengthening through shared visions and key industry events.

The company’s strategic decisions-rebranding, launching a robust e-commerce platform, and continuously investing in logistics-allowed them to thrive during the COVID-era spike in online sales. A recent strategic move was the implementation of the heo API in late 2023. This integration delivered immediate operational excellence, automating real-time updates for product info, inventory, and pricing.

‘The API saves time and builds customer trust,’ the team states. By automating daily operations, they freed up resources to focus on their core differentiator: providing personalized service, exclusive pre-orders, and meticulous packaging for their dedicated community of anime fans and pop culture enthusiasts.

Bazaar of Magic, Netherlands

From Two Shoeboxes to a 3,000 m² Community Hub

Bazaar of Magic’s story began in 2009 as a student passion project in Delft, fueled by two shoeboxes of Magic: The Gathering cards. Their commitment to a ‘customer-first’ philosophy and a highly sophisticated, customized web platform allowed them to innovate outside of the standard marketplace model.

The partnership with heo began in 2015 when the business expanded and chose Ultimate

Guard as its premium accessory brand. A key moment of pride for the founders, Jan and Ralf, was the opening of their current, massive 3,000 m² store-a tailored space designed to inspire players, connect people, and welcome new communities. ‘It expanded our universe and gave us the space to bring pop culture to life,’ they say. This massive retail space is the physical embodiment of their success, focusing on immersive decoration and expert advice.

Their success isn’t just about selling cards; it’s about creating real value and authentic experiences-from a groundbreaking search engine for card finding to curated collaborative workshops and a loyalty program that fosters community.

Their advice to new retailers distills their philosophy: ‘Start small, but think big... Long-term

success rarely comes only from competing on price. It comes from creating real value, building authentic relationships, and offering experiences.'

Album/Momie, France

The Legacy of Comics: Ultra-Fast Ordering as the Growth Catalyst

Album opened its doors more than 30 years ago, establishing itself as one of the first comic book shops in France. Following a merger with Momie in 2021, the business successfully renewed its identity and expanded its footprint to appeal to a wide range of manga, comics, and collector fans.

The partnership with heo is one built on longevity and support. ‘With heo, we grew up together; they have always supported us, especially during difficult times,’ the team shares. The very first product range sourced through heo? The Futurama collection of tin toys.

A key factor in their operational efficiency and growth has been the speed and ease of procurement. They credit ultra-fast ordering and delivery from heo as the decision that saves them critical time. The team is proud of the 2021 partnership with Momie and the subsequent renovation of all their stores, marking a new chapter in their long history.

Today, their diverse customer base spans tourists, neighbors, and dedicated fans. After successfully redesigning their website, the team’s next major technological goal is clear: ‘Connecting the heo API!’ Their advice to newcomers underlines the importance of their experience: ‘Choose your partners wisely! Prioritize healthy, lasting relationships with companies you can rely on.'