I keep reading that the landscape of traditional play has changed but i’m calling b---s--- on that. my kids wants a barbie dreamhouse, something called sunny day playset, was even enticed by the new polly pocket set. typical girl plat has not gone out of fashion. I’m calling f---nuttery on behalf of mattel leadership and overinflated executive salaries with golden parachutes. we are obviously a top heavy company that and engineer can tell you is bad to hold up and structure without the proper supports which leadership seems to keep removing like a r----ded game of jenga.
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totally disagree. if anything the women’s movement has sl-- shamed barbie into being as taboo as he--in. my kids love barbie, even want the ridiculous themes that my wife rolls her eyes at because she thinks them demeaning towards women, but the truth is the kids don’t care! they want something that sparks something in their little minds that says “i can pretend lots of stuff with THAT doll!” granted barbie s--- by way of standing and some have those stupid posed frozen joints but i see mattel’s failings in not reaching the kids but in not reaching the SJW parents that think their child should be above it all.
BTW, fingerlings might have been hot but the play value was under an hour and the first thing that got purged in the annual XMAS purge of unused toys.
In the past five decades HWs has sold over 10 billion toy cars. Not too shabby.
Traditional play is alive and well - just look at the top toys from the last few years - ALL of them are traditional play: LOL Surprise, Fingerlings, LEGO....
What isn't selling? Brands that can't evolve past the commodity that they are and have fought to protect: Barbie, Hot Wheels.
Good luck - 4th quarter earnings are less than 12 weeks away. Layoffs will be coming before Xmas.
Have to agree with the last poster and OP. granted the first commenter has a point that we make junk that’s cost reduced to the point of it being pitiful but kids still like basic play. shame on the parents who spend more time on their devices then interacting with their kids. the kids want to play on the devices because they want to see what mom & dad are so obsessed over. Can’t blame millennials on this one. They’re smart enough NOT to procreate.
I worked at FP for decades. Upon becoming a recent grandfather, I brought out some old toys I put away years ago. No electronics. He absolutely loves them and doesn’t even know the toys require no batteries, he loves hem Get back to basics guys, the kids and parents will swarm towards you.
I haven't seen a child with a non-electronic toy in their hand all year all year, have you?
Your kids might want a Barbie dream house but see how long they play with it before they reach for an iPad. I’ve been to plenty of focus groups and to kids homes to see what is happening and the truth is that most kid’s habits are as you’ve been told. Might be because toys are cost reduced to the point where they aren’t worth they box they come in.