Extra! Extra! Read all about it! – Doll Industry News
It has been a real interesting summer for those of us who sell dolls! Lots of changes, some good, some not so good, and some… who knows?
Yesterday, August 26th, the jury came back with the damages award in the Bratz vs Barbie case. $100 million is the number being reported that Bratz owes Mattel. In my humble opinion it’s too little, and in fact the Bratz folks are declaring victory because they only have to pay the $100M and not the $2 Billion Mattel asked for. Why do I think it should be more? Because I think it sends the message that even if you’re guilty you can end up with the profits.
The Sababa Group filed for bankruptcy. That’s the Muppets Dolls and Fraggle Rock and Fisher Price classic pull toys and Angelina Ballerina Dolls and other popular licenses. Their assets are up for auction and the Bankruptcy court wants to see if anyone will offer more than University Games Group. We sell a lot of Muppets Dolls and will be anxious to see what availability will be.
The Doll Market, self proclaimed “The Largest Doll Shop In The World” is up for sale. We are not really competitors, they market more to collectors, while our customers are looking for Asian, Hispanic or Black baby dolls, but they were a great store, and we’ll be interested to see how their sale works out.
And finally, GUND, after over a hundred and ten years of being a family owned company, sold themselves this summer to Enesco, who also recently bought Boyd’s Bears. GUND has long been a favored supplier to us, their Sesame Street Dolls have always been popular with our customers.
Tags: Doll Industry
