As the worm turns

I think Barbie has not kept up with the times. Perhaps these days she should go back to her German origins. Look up her history (pre-Mattel).

Stock goes up, stock goes down. 

Mattel will survive.

Rusty

Although not necessarily popular with some parents, the Monster High dolls are arguably the most creative and popular dolls currently available for young girls.

My six year old daughter cant get enough of them.

I think they are the coolest dolls on the planet.

I've recently read a book titled Brick By Brick, about how Lego innovated and kept itself thinking young and became the dominant toy company in the world. Mattel has a lot to learn and probably little time to learn it.  One of the few business books (it's by a professor at Wharton) I've read recently that actually had something new and worthwhile to say.  Lionel - maybe they havesomething to learn, too, but not from Lego.  Pretty sure they are not really in the same market: one company makes toys for 6-year olds, the other for 60-year olds.

And yet they do share one thing in common.  Both make expensive toys.  Lego isn't exactly famous for having "economical" pricing.

It all began to unravel when she dumped Ken.

Revenge is sweet.

Ken

Some relatives of ours are taking their kids to a Legoland resort in California. Also look at the newest Barbie. Who needs Ken? Don

Those high end sets aren't being marketed to the 6-8 year old crowd.  Those are usually bought and assembled by 26-28 year olds and most likely purchased on-line/direct ship.  There are some very interesting parallels betwen Lego and Lionel.  I'm not sure Lionel could have adapted/adopted Lego's formula but I would be willing to bet Lego and their products will around long after Barbie/Mattel is just a fading memory.

from the article: "Holiday offerings include a $49.99 Barbie train"

quote:

Mattel has a lot to learn and probably little time to learn it. 

Those  hot Moster High dolls are  Mattel product. From the article:

Monster High dolls, which are based on teen characters that are offspring of famous monsters, have been a huge hit for Mattel.

I think the popularity of Barbie is waning because of the body image she presents.

Apparently some folks would prefer for their childrens dolls to have realistic proportions.

So far, I have bought 5 of them for my 5 year-old grandaughter.

Two owrds for Barbie's current problems:  American Girl

American Girl is at a different price point.

I see Barbie dolls for about $20, as are the Monster High dolls.

American Girl dolls seem to start at around $100.