I didn't forget, but common logic would assume Star Wars make less money during a Anthology year than an Episode year in every business area that they make money.You forget there is more to star wars than just the films. You have the Clone Wars, The rebels tv show, etc which are to get kids into the series. Those were toy sales. Movie people may be watching yet not buying into anything outside of that..
People who watch the films most certainly do buy merch.