“Star Wars” fans invaded toy stores across the city yesterday, snatching up out-of-this-world merchandise from the hotly anticipated prequel.
At the FAO Schwarz store in Midtown, legions of diehard sci-fi fans were guided by the Force.
“I can’t get enough of these ‘Star Wars’ toys. This is just so much fun. I feel like a kid in a candy store,” gushed Louis Teverini, 19, as he scooped up armfuls of toys and other goodies from “Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace,” which lands in theaters May 19.
“I live for ‘Star Wars.’ It is just so awesome. I just can’t believe how much money I’m spending on these toys,” said Teverini, of Queens.
Alexandra Sainz, 40, beamed in from Mexico for the massive “Star Wars” toy sell-athon, which lifted off at the stroke of midnight yesterday.
“I’m a ‘Star Wars’ freak,” said Sainz, a professor at the National Autonomous University in Mexico City.
“I have to have everything. Money is no object when it comes to buying ‘Star Wars’ toys. This is incredible,” Sainz said as she carried a shopping bag bulging with toys from the guaranteed blockbuster film.
Pint-sized Andrew Garcia of The Bronx said he was in “Star Wars” heaven.
“These toys are so cool. I just can’t wait for the movie. I hope my mom buys me all the toys in the store,” Andrew, 9, said as he waved a light saber at his brother, Steven, 7.
“I can’t wait to get home and play with my toys, especially the action figures,” he added.
Bill Miller, executive vice president of marketing and planning at FAO Schwarz on Fifth Avenue, said the “Star Wars” merchandise is selling faster than the speed of light.
“The response has been phenomenal. Sales so far have been tremendous,” he said.
“Star Wars” superfans Wayne Mercado, his wife, Gina, and their two daughters, Michelle, 13, and Amanda, 14, shopped ’til they dropped yesterday at the Toys ‘R’ Us store in the Soundview section of The Bronx.
“This is such a frenzy. We’ve been waiting for this for years. We really shopped up a storm,” said Mercado, who splashed down hundreds of dollars on goodies, including action figures, spaceships, puzzles, posters – and even lollipops.
“We’re going crazy for these toys. It’s just so fantastic.”