Business Wars Encore: Hasbro vs Mattel | Dream Doll | 1
Dec 21, 2020
Step back to the late 1940s, where two ambitious toy start-ups, Hasbro and Mattel, kick off a fierce rivalry. With Mattel's bold rise and an iconic doll reveal at the 1959 Toy Fair, the scene is set for dramatic twists. Explore Barbie's innovative launch and the marketing strategies that captured the imagination of a generation. Meanwhile, Hasbro fights to keep up, leading to creative disruptions in the toy landscape. It's a nostalgic journey of ambition, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of success in the world of play.
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Stolen Toy
- Elliot Handler found a ukulele toy, the Yookadoodle, copied at Toy Fair 1947.
- A salesman mocked Handler, saying he was "swimming with sharks."
TV Advertising
- Use TV advertising to reach children directly.
- This can bypass traditional retail channels and generate demand.
Risky Sponsorship
- Mattel risked its entire net worth to sponsor the Mickey Mouse Club.
- Initially, the gamble seemed to fail, as no new orders came in.