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Tag: Mattel

  • Barbie dons the colours of India

    Barbie dons the colours of India

    MUMBAI: Barbie, from the house of Mattel Toys, has launched an India-exclusive collection of dolls inspired by several cultural aspects of India. The collectibles, from the Colours of India series, will see Barbie in six different avatars, uniquely inspired by six heritage sites across the country.

    Colours of India series brings to life several aspects of each iconic monument that inspired the doll-maker to create the collection. With distinct shifts of cultures at every step, each doll in the collection has found a unique muse in the beauty India has to offer. Barbie has seamlessly weaved in elements of iconic Indian heritage destinations into the collection that reflects contemporary designs in traditional wear. Inspiration from each design comes from unique architectural and design elements of monuments in India such as the ‘jharokas’ of Hawa Mahal from the pink city Jaipur, the mystical paintings from Ajanta Caves from Maharashtra, the opulent courtyards of Mysore Palace from Mysuru – the city of Palaces, the grand arches of South Indian heritage palace, Thirumallai Nayakkar Mahal in Madurai, the vibrant colours from Sikkim’s Gompas and the striking sheen of marbles from India’s wonder of the world Taj Mahal. These elements are flawlessly integrated in the dolls’ designs and packaging as well.

    Mattel’s head of marketing Lokesh Kataria says, “We, at Mattel, have always encouraged development through creative play and believe that when you play with a doll, you open your mind to endless possibilities. We are elated to launch a collection of Barbie that is so close to home. With this edition, we aim to drive a local connect with our audiences by showcasing the vibrant and diverse Indian culture inspired by iconic sites across the country. Bringing a unique concept of Barbie visiting India, we intend to generate curiosity amongst young girls and inculcate in them the rich treasures of Indian heritage through meaningful play.”

    The packaging designs were conceptualised by Design Orb. Speaking on the range, 

    Design Orb founder director Poornima Burte mentions, “This was a great design opportunity to help little children rediscover our country with Barbie. The Colours of India series firmly roots Barbie in the Indian context. Barbie is curious about India and is on a travel spree to find out more. She is inspired by every place she visits – its unique architecture, motifs and colours, and chooses to style herself in her interpretation of every place she visits. Each pack tells the story of the amazing destinations of India that span the length and breadth of our diverse country. Inspiration for the colours, motifs and architectural styles have been borrowed from the monuments of each destination. Barbie welcomes all her little friends to take this enriching journey of discovery with her.”

    The Colours of India will be available at leading retail stores and e-commerce websites. In line with the theme of Barbie traveling across India, the pack also contains a mini DIY kit where girls can make a paper suitcase for the doll.

    Mattel Toys has focused its efforts around the core philosophy of play with purpose where each toy developed by the global leader has an intrinsic benefit linked to it. For over 58 years, Barbie has led girls on a path to self-discovery. After over 180 inspirational careers and diverse range of collectibles, Barbie—along with her friends and family—continues to inspire and encourage the next generation of girls that they can be anything.

  • Q2-2015: Mattel gross sales down 6.5%

    Q2-2015: Mattel gross sales down 6.5%

    BENGALURU: Mattel, Inc reported a 6.5 per cent decline in gross worldwide sales at $1095.1 million in Q2-2015 (quarter ended 30 June, 2015) as compared to the $1171.1 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. 

     

    Net sales dropped seven per cent to $988.2 million in the current quarter as compared to $1062.3 million in Q2-2014.

     

    The toymaker reported a net loss of $11.4 million in Q2-2015 as compared to a net profit (income) of $28.3 million in Q2-2014. Last quarter (Q1-2015), Mattel has reported a higher loss of $58.2 million.

     

    “In the second quarter, we made solid progress as we work to return Mattel to improved growth and profitability,” said Mattel chairman and CEO Christopher Sinclair. “Our financial results in the quarter largely met our expectations, and we are encouraged by improved performance across our core brands, as well as strong momentum in emerging markets like China and Russia. Although we are still early in our turnaround effort, I believe we are taking all the right steps to be more competitive in the growing global toy industry.”

     

    Worldwide gross sales for the six-month period ended 30 June, 2015 (HY-2015) also declined 4.4 per cent to $2115.3 million from $2212.4 million in HY-2014. Net sales in HY-2015 fell 4.9 per cent to $1910.9 million as compared to the $2008.4 million in HY-2014. Mattel reported a net loss of $69.5 million during the current six month period as compared a net income of $17.1 million during the corresponding year ago period.

     

    Worldwide gross sales by brands

     

    Mattel Girls and Boys brands

    Mattel Girls and Boys brands sales in Q2-2015 declined 12.7 per cent to $601.8 million from $689 million in Q2-2014. The effect of the strong US dollar slowed the decline on a constant currency basis to three per cent. For HY-2015, gross sales of Mattel Girls and Boys brands declined 10.3 per cent to $1206.9 million from $1345.8 million in HY-2014. Currency exchange rate change reduced the decline to just one per cent.

     

    Within Mattel Girls and Boys brands, Barbie worldwide gross sales declined 19 per cent to $130.3 million from $160.8 million, with the currency exchange rate change reducing the decline to 11 per cent. In HY-2015, Barbie gross sales declined 16.4 per cent to $276.3 million from $330.7 million in HY-2014. Currency exchange rate change reduced the drop to eight per cent.

     

    Other Girls worldwide gross sales declined 16.6 per cent in the current quarter to $175.9 million from $201.9 million in Q2-2014. Currency exchange rate change reduced the drop to six per cent. HY-2015 Other Girls worldwide sales declined 13.8 percent to $365.4 million from $276.3 million in HY-2014, with currency exchange rate change reducing the decline to four per cent.

     

    Wheels gross worldwide sales increased 14.8 per cent in Q2-2015 to $160.6 million from $139.9 million in Q2-2014. Currency exchange rate change improved the growth to 26 per cent. Wheels gross worldwide sales in HY-2015 increased by 8.2 per cent to $292.6 million from $270.4 million in HY-2014. Currency exchange rate change improved the growth to 18 per cent.

     

    Entertainment business, which includes Radica and Games declined 23.9 per cent in Q2-2015 to $135 million from $177.4 million in Q2-2014. In HY-2015, Entertainment business worldwide sales declined 15 per cent to $272.6 million from $320.8 million in the corresponding year ago period.

     

    Fisher-Price brands

     

    Fisher-Price brands worldwide gross sales increased 2.4 per cent to $336.8 million in Q2-2015 as compared to the $328.8 million in Q2-2014. Currency exchange rate change improved the growth to nine per cent. For HY-2015 worldwide gross sales for Fisher-Price brands was flat (grew by 0.7 per cent) at $600.7 million as compared to the $600.2 million in HY-2014. Currency exchange rate change improved the growth to seven per cent. Fisher-Price Brands includes the Fisher-Price Core, Fisher-Price Friends and Power Wheels brands.

     

    American Girls brands

     

    American Girls brands gross sales increased 1.3 per cent in Q2-2015 to $84.2 million from $83.1 million in Q2-2014. For HY-2015, gross sales was flat (up 0.6 per cent) to $190.2 million from $189.1 million in HY-2014.

     

    Construction and Arts & Crafts Brands

     

    Construction and Arts & Crafts Brands gross sales grew 5.2 per cent to $64.8 million in Q2-2015 from $61.6 million in Q2-2014. For HY-2015, gross sales grew 67.4 per cent to $103.1 million from $61.6 million in HY-2014. Sales of Construction and Arts & Crafts products include the Mega Bloks and RoseArt brands. Mattel acquired Mega Brands Inc. on 30 April, 2014.

     

    Worldwide gross sales by region

     

    North American

     

    North American gross sales declined 2.9 per cent to $583.6 million in Q2-2015 from $601.2 million in Q2-2014. Currency exchange rate change reduced the fall to one per cent. For HY-2015, North American gross sales improved 2.5 per cent to $1181.7 million from $1153.2 million in HY-2014. Currency exchange rate change improved the growth to three per cent.

     

    International

     

    International gross sales declined 10.2 per cent to $511.5 million in Q2-2015 from $569.9 million in Q2-2014. Currency exchange rate change had a appositive impact, which showed a growth of five per cent. HY-2015 gross international sales declined 11.9 per cent to $933.6 million in Q2-2015 from $1059.2 million in HY-2014, with currency exchange rate change resulting in a growth of four per cent.

     

    Dividend 

     

    The Mattel board has declared 2015 third quarter cash dividend of $0.38 per share, which is flat compared to the third quarter of 2014.

  • Warner Bros, DC Ent & Mattel to launch Super Hero Girls

    Warner Bros, DC Ent & Mattel to launch Super Hero Girls

    MUMBAI: Beginning in Fall 2015, DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Mattel will join forces to launch DC Super Hero Girls, a new universe of Super Heroic storytelling that helps build character and confidence, and empowers girls to discover their true potential.

     

    Featuring DC Comics’ diverse line-up of female characters as relatable teens, DC Super Hero Girls will play out across multiple entertainment content platforms and product categories to create an immersive world.

     

    Developed for girls aged 6-12, DC Super Hero Girls centers on the female Super Heroes and Super-Villains of the DC Comics universe during their formative years – prior to discovering their full super power potential. Featuring a completely new artistic style and aesthetic, DC Comics’ icons such as Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Bumble Bee, Poison Ivy, Katana and many more make their unprecedented teenaged introduction. Each character has her own storyline that explores what teen life is like as a Super Hero, including discovering her unique abilities, nurturing her remarkable powers and mastering the fundamentals of being a hero.

     

    “DC Entertainment is home to the most iconic and well-known Super Heroes including Wonder Woman, Supergirl and Batgirl. DC Super Hero Girls represents the embodiment of our long-term strategy to harness the power of our diverse female characters. I am so pleased that we are able to offer relatable and strong role models in a unique way, just for girls,” said DC Entertainment president Diane Nelson.

     

    The initial launch of DC Super Hero Girls in Fall 2015 will include an immersive digital experience, original digital content and digital publishing – providing opportunities for girls to interact with characters, learn about the storylines, and engage in customizable play. TV specials, made-for-videos, toys, apparel, books and other product categories will begin to rollout in 2016.

     

    “Developing a Super Hero franchise exclusively for girls that includes all of the key components of a comprehensive entertainment experience – from content to consumer products – is something we are excited to be doing in conjunction with our great partners. It’s really an honor to be part of this cultural moment and to be delivering a concept so rooted in a relatable and empowered theme that the characters of DC Comics are uniquely able to present,” added Warner Bros. Consumer Products president Brad Globe.

     

    As master toy licensee, Mattel is collaborating with DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Bros. Consumer Products on DC Super Hero Girls’ narrative creation, interactive digital activations and ultimately a toy line launching in 2016. Mattel category-leading firsts include a line of characters for the action figure category, an area of the industry that has been primarily developed with boys in mind, and fashion dolls featuring strong, athletic bodies that stand on their own in heroic poses.

     

    “Partnering with the best and being the best partner is of paramount importance. Together with Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment, the DC Super Hero Girls franchise will further expand our already powerful girls portfolio. We know Super Hero is a culturally relevant theme and the DC Super Hero Girls franchise will engage and inspire girls, providing cues to explore heroic acts through play and into real life,” said Mattel president and COO Richard Dickson.

     

    The Random House Books for Young Readers imprint of Random House Children’s Books has been appointed the master publishing partner for the franchise and will be creating a portfolio of books that will bring the DC Super Hero Girls world to life, beginning in Spring 2016. Random House’s publishing program will be complemented by a series of original graphic novels from DC Entertainment. The Lego Group will also be key to building the DC Super Hero Girls franchise, leveraging their experience and success engaging girls in creative construction play to bolster this universe through an array of Lego building sets designed to inspire girls’ imaginations.

     

    Additionally, consumer products partners around the world will be engaged in creating a merchandise line dedicated to DC Super Hero Girls across all key categories.

  • Mattel reports lower results for Q4-2015 and FY-2014; CEO Stockton takes the fall, quits

    Mattel reports lower results for Q4-2015 and FY-2014; CEO Stockton takes the fall, quits

    BENGALURU:  Mattel, Inc (Mattel) reported a 6 per cent drop in worldwide sales from Q4-2014 (quarter ended 31 December 2014, current quarter) to US$ 1994 million from US$ 2113.2 million in Q4-2014. Worldwide sales for FY-2014 (year ended 31 December 2014) fell 7.3 per cent to US$ 6023.8 million from US$ 6484.9 million in FY-2013.

     

    For the quarter, the company reported net income of US$ 149.9 million, or US$ 0.44 per share, which includes a negative impact of US$ 0.05 per share from MEGA Brands integration costs and a negative tax impact of US$ 0.03 per share, compared to last year’s fourth quarter net income of US$ 369.2 million, or US$ 1.07 per share. For the year, the Company reported net income of US$ 498.9 million, or US$ 1.45 per share, which includes a negative impact of US$ 0.16 per share from MEGA Brands acquisition and integration costs 3 and a tax benefit of US$ 0.13 per share, compared to last year’s net income of US$ 903.9 million, or US$ 2.58 per share, which included a tax benefit of US$0.09.

     

    Bryan Stockton resigned from his position as chairman and CEO, as well as from the board of directors of Mattel on 26 January 2015. The company announced Christopher Sinclair’s appointment as Mattel chairman and Interim CEO on the same day.

     

    “We are disappointed with our results but moving forward with a heightened sense of urgency to make the necessary changes to enhance our brand relevance and improve our execution,” said Sinclair. “Over the next few months, I will be focused on working with the management team to thoroughly evaluate the business in order to identify how we can improve our top-line performance and drive profitability. I am confident in our ability to revitalize our brands and our business and fully committed to delivering greater value for shareholders.”

     

    Sales by Brand

     

    Mattel Girls and Boys Brands

     

    For the fourth quarter, worldwide gross sales for Mattel Girls & Boys Brands were US$ 1.23 billion, down 9 percent versus the prior year. Worldwide gross sales for the Barbie brand were down 12 per cent. Worldwide gross sales for Other Girls brands were down 3 per cent. Worldwide gross sales for the Wheels category, which includes the Hot Wheels and Matchbox brands, were up 2 per cent. Worldwide gross sales for the Entertainment business, which includes Radica and Games, were down 21 per cent.

     

    For the year, worldwide gross sales for Mattel Girls & Boys Brands were US$ 3.90 billion, down 10 percent versus the prior year. Worldwide gross sales for the Barbie brand were down 16 per cent. Worldwide gross sales for Other Girls brands were down 2 per cent. Worldwide gross sales for the Wheels category, which includes the Hot Wheels and Matchbox brands, were up 1 percent. Worldwide gross sales for the Entertainment business, which includes Radica and Games, were down 20 per cent.

     

    Fisher-Price Brands

     

    Fourth quarter worldwide gross sales for Fisher-Price Brands, which includes the Fisher-Price Core, Fisher-Price Friends and Power Wheels  brands, were US$ 578.9 million, down 11 percent versus the prior year. For the year, worldwide gross sales for Fisher-Price Brands were US$ 1.84 billion, down 13 per cent versus the prior year.

     

    American Girl Brands

     

    Fourth quarter gross sales for American Girl Brands, which offers American Girl-branded products directly to consumers, were US$ 318.3 million, down 4 percent versus the prior year. For the year, gross sales for American Girl Brands were US$ 620.7 million, down 2 percent versus the prior year.

     

    Construction and Arts & Crafts Brands

     

    Construction and Arts & Crafts Brands

     

    Fourth quarter gross sales for Construction and Arts & Crafts Brands, which includes the MEGA BLOKS and RoseArt brands, were US$ 130.0 million. For the year, gross sales for Construction and Arts & Crafts Brands were US$ 315.0 million. Mattel acquired MEGA Brands Inc. on 30 April 2014.

  • Hasbro pips Mattel for Disney’s Princess and Frozen franchise

    Hasbro pips Mattel for Disney’s Princess and Frozen franchise

    BENGALURU:  Excerpts from Mattel, Inc., (Mattel) second quarter results (quarter ended June 30, 2014): “For the second quarter, worldwide gross sales for Mattel Girls & Boys Brands were USD689.0 million, down 13 per cent versus the prior year. Worldwide gross sales for the Barbie brand were down 15 per cent. Worldwide gross sales for Other Girls brands were down 11 per cent, primarily due to Monster High, partially offset by Disney Princess and Ever After High. Worldwide gross sales for the Wheels category, which includes the Hot Wheels and Matchbox brands, were down 3 per cent. Worldwide gross sales for the Entertainment business, which includes Radica and Games, were down 19 per cent.”

     

    The key point here is that the company has reported a drop in everything; it’s only the Other Girls brands partly driven by the Disney Princess products and American Girls brands that have shown an upward trend for Mattel in Q2-2014. The same was the case in Q1-2014.

     

    Click here to read the full report

     

     

  • WWE Superstars get animated with ‘WWE Slam City’

    WWE Superstars get animated with ‘WWE Slam City’

    MUMBAI: Mattel is well renowned to be one of the leading toy manufacturers in the world with the likes of Barbie, Hot Wheels and Monster High, amongst others under its IP. The toy manufacturing giant has inked a deal with the wrestling giant – WWE – for an original animated short format series.

     

    WWE Slam City, the company’s new kids’ property includes an original animated short-form series and a complete line of WWE Slam City merchandise. The 26-episode series, which launched yesterday in US, Canada and UK is comprised of two minute shorts featuring WWE Superstars in their new animated world, WWE Slam City.

     

    The first four episodes began airing from 17 March at WWESlamCity.com and Cartoonium on YouTube. WWE Slam City toys, including action figures, ring sets and more, are currently available at major retail stores.

     

    “WWE Slam City is a multi-platform property that takes our Superstars out of the ring and introduces them to kids through entertaining and action-packed animation,” said WWE chief revenue and marketing officer Michelle D. Wilson. “This strategic initiative is perfectly complemented through our partnership with Mattel and adds to an already dynamic portfolio of content designed to create lifelong WWE fans.”

     

    The series, filmed in the next generation of stop-motion animation, features a new WWE animated character ‘The Finisher’, who fires all of the WWE superstars and sends them to WWE Slam City to find day jobs. WWE Superstars are plunged into new career challenges as John Cena as an auto mechanic, Randy Orton Orton as a zookeeper, Sheamus as a theater usher, The Miz, Rey Mysterio, Kane, Alberto Del Rio as a coffee house barista and Mark Henry pack every street corner with work to do and scores to settle in a new life outside the ring, but still staying true to their WWE personas.

     

    In addition to WWESlamCity.com and Cartoonium on YouTube, WWE Slam City will also be available in US on WWE Network, Hulu, PlayStation, Xbox, AOL On, Nintendo, Vudu, Google Play, Kabillion, Mattel.com and iTunes. WWE will utilise all of its assets, including TV broadcasts, live events, digital and social media to generate awareness for its new kids property.

     

    “Slam City is the result of a seamless collaboration with WWE where we are bringing kids a completely new and invigorating entertainment experience,” said Mattel senior VP, global brands marketing, boys and entertainment Doug Wadleigh. “Combining fun to watch content that features Superstar favorites, along with an engaging line of toys, enables Slam City to further expand the WWE Universe while opening new avenues of play for the franchise.”

     

    WWE Slam City is a key component of WWE’s larger strategy to expand its reach to kids. In 2013, WWE’s national TV programming reached nearly three million kids each week, representing more than 20 per cent of WWE’s average weekly TV audience. WWE also reaches kids through the number two action figure property in the US.

     

    In addition, WWE supports programs that positively impact children and families around the world, including a 30-plus year relationship with Make-A-Wish as well as various literacy, education, anti-bullying and military initiatives.

     

    In addition to toys, a full WWE Slam City merchandise line, including apparel, back-to-school accessories, books, graphic novels and home videos will be available in stores by the end of 2014. In 2015, a WWE Slam City mobile game, as well as health and beauty items, home goods, party supplies and stationary will be available.

     

    The 26-episode WWE Slam City series is co-produced by WWE and Mattel’s Playground Productions, a new division within the Mattel Global Brands with a mission to identify, cultivate and produce compelling storylines through multiple platforms.

     

    “Slam City’s multi-platform animation engages kids where they are today with a unique larger-than-life Superstar inspired storyline that’s authentic to WWE,” said Mattel Playground Productions senior VP David Voss. “We worked closely with WWE to ensure our style and storytelling complimented the brand, and really tapped into our creative expertise to produce a playful narrative that both kids and fans enjoy.”

     

    With the launch of the WWE Network recently and this tie-up with Mattel, the wrestling giant is clearly looking at reaching out to a wider set of audience on both on-air as well as off-air platforms.

  • Zynga asked to change logo following Scrabble trademark row

    Zynga asked to change logo following Scrabble trademark row

    NEW DELHI: Online social game maker Zynga has been asked to change the logo of its ‘Scramble With Friends’ word Game. 

    US-based Mattel, the world’s biggest toy manufacturer owning brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price Toys, as well as Scrabble, alleged that Zynga’s use of the word ‘Scramble’ infringed the trademarks as it was too close to the word ‘Scrabble’. 

    While giving a judgment in favour of Zynga, a High Court judge ruled that while the name did not infringe the trademark, the use of a curly letter M in the logo ‘gives the impression that the word is Scrabble when one looks at it quickly and has the propensity to confuse’, and therefore it needed to be changed, the BBC reports.

     

    Mattel spokesman Alan Hilowitz said that while it appreciated the ruling for finding similarities between Zynga’s ‘Scramble With Friends’ logo and Mattel’s intellectual property, the company was disappointed that the court did not rule that Zynga should cease using the name altogether. 

    Hiolwitz said that Mattel intends to further appeal the ruling. 

    Recently, Zynga was involved into another trademark row with casual sex app maker ‘Bang With Friends’ for its infringement of ‘With Friends’ trademark. 

  • Mattel unveils ‘Batman’ action figures, vehicles & gadgets

    Mattel unveils ‘Batman’ action figures, vehicles & gadgets

    MUMBAI: Mattel has launched an exclusive range of action figures, vehicles and gadgets based on the Warner television series: The Batman.

    The new Batman collection promises to unleash a whole new wave of excitement amongst the fans of the Caped Crusader. From an assortment of action figures to the 10″ jumbo-sized action figures and the versatile 3-in-1 Batjet Vehicle, it consists of the complete range of toys and accessories all kids and collectors.

    Of course, no Batman Toy range would be complete without the Batmobile. This all new highly detailed Batmobile comes with lights and sounds, fires projectiles and is the perfect vehicle for the Gotham Guardian, informs an official release.

    Commenting on the launch Mattel Toys (I) Pvt. Ltd managing director Sanjay Luthra said, “Batman has been imbedded in the psyche of boys for generations. He is the original self-made superhero, and it is that essential humanity that kids can relate to. The linkage between entertainment properties and toys are increasingly becoming stronger and Mattel’s objective is to stay ahead of the race by launching an array of products which are faithful representatives of all aspects of the property. We aim to bring the imaginative and action-filled world of The Batman alive for all fans across the country.”

    The Batman range from Mattel Toys will be available across all leading shopping malls, toys and departmental stores across the country and will be priced between Rs. 299 to Rs. 1499.

  • Mattel unveils ‘Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses’ dolls, playsets & consumer products

    Mattel unveils ‘Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses’ dolls, playsets & consumer products

    MUMBAI: One month after Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses premiered on Cartoon Network, the movie now comes alive as Mattel Toys India (Pvt.) Ltd has launched the entire of Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses dolls, playsets and other consumer products.

    The movie portrays Barbie and her sisters love for dance, team spirit, togetherness and art. The new range of Barbie dolls from Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses, are designed to be interactive dance partners, allowing girls to bring alive Ballet movements.

    The toy line-up comprises of ‘Barbie as Princess Genevieve Theme Doll’ whose skirt can spin and lights up. Barbie’s sister ‘Kelly as the Dancing triplets’, can spin when charged and the ‘Let’s Dance Barbie as Princess Genevieve’ doll, allows girls to dance with Barbie doll in three different ways, informs an official release.

    Speaking on the launch of ‘Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princess’ dolls and playsets, Mattel Toys India managing director Sanjay Luthra said, “This holiday, we’re excited to launch a toy line that drives back to the movie’s cornerstone themes – princess and dance – delivering an inspiring and imaginative play experience that only Barbie can provide to girls.”

    ‘Barbie in The 12 Dancing Princesses Let’s Dance!’ doll is inspired by Barbie as Princess Genevieve. In addition there are two interactive wrist bands and one shoe clip which can be used to show Barbie doll new dance moves. The doll’s arms are controlled by Infra Red and the leg is controlled by Radio Frequency technology. The Barbie doll wears a beautiful gown and comes with a removable base. It is priced at Rs. 3999.

    The combination of ‘Barbie as the Princess Genevieve’ doll and ‘Kelly doll’ – Special Giftsets for this holiday season will be priced at Rs.1499. While Barbie as Princess Genevieve Doll is also available separately for Rs.999 and the Triplet Kelly Dolls Assortment available separately for Rs.599.

    Other features that are part of the new range include ‘Dancing Twin Sisters Dolls’, ‘Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses Magical Dance Castle’, an ‘Expandable Horse and Carriage’, the ‘Older Sisters Doll Assortment’ and ‘Barbie in The 12 Dancing Princesses Princess Vanity’.

    What’s more, to celebrate this range and promote dance as a form of art for young girls, Mattel Toys India has tied-up with dancing school SDIPA – Shiamak Davar’s Institute of Performing Arts, to teach, groom and polish the dancing skills of 36 young lucky fans, across all India winners of the “Barbie Flights of Fantasy contest” being run at Shoppers’ Stop key outlets and Toy stores in all metros. Along with the opportunity to learn dance, two lucky winners will also win an exotic Malaysian holiday package from Quantum Travels.

  • Cartoon Network signs license deal with Mattel

    Cartoon Network signs license deal with Mattel

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network is strengthening its licensing division Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) by entering into a a multi-year, multi-property deal with the toymaker Mattel Inc to produce toys and games based on the network’s animated titles.

    In an official statement issued, the license agreement covers original Cartoon Network properties for the 6 to 11 age group and also carries a first-look option on all newly created original series and programming.

    As per the deal, Mattel will have licensing rights to multiple toy and games categories including vehicles, action figures, playsets, role-play, board games, puzzles, and youth electronics items for the Cartoon Network brand as well as shows including Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends, The Powerpuff Girls, Camp Lazlo, Ed, Edd n Eddy, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, the newly launched My Gym Partner’s a Monkey and The Life & Times of Juniper Lee. Existing relationships for other original series will remain unaffected by the deal.

    Mattel has licensing deals with Viacom Inc.’s Nickelodeon and movies studios as Warner Bros. and Disney-Pixar.

    “We are pleased to be aligning the Cartoon Network brand with one of the world’s largest and most respected toy companies, setting the stage for great success in the all important toy and games category,” Turner Entertainment sales and marketing president David Levy says. “We’ve always had a very strong relationship with Mattel as an advertiser and now we are extending that into consumer products. This will enhance the brands of both companies by combining our assets as a leading entertainment company with their expertise in the global toy market.”

    In 2007, the first product lines to come to market under the agreement will be toys based on one of Cartoon Network’s most successful series, the Emmy-winning Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, created by Craig McCracken, the visionary behind The Powerpuff Girls. Products for Ed, Edd n Eddy, Camp Lazlo and The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy will also debut in 2007.

    “We’re confident that combining Cartoon Network’s strength in creating original, quality programming with Mattel’s expertise in developing innovative products will engage kids in new ways,” Mattel Brands president Neil Friedman says. “By leveraging the Cartoon Network brand as well as their original content, we’re opening up a whole new type of creative and licensing partnership.”