Business Wars Encore: Hasbro vs Mattel | Screen Dreams | 6
Jan 6, 2021
Explore the shifting landscape of the toy industry as Mattel and Hasbro grapple with the rise of digital entertainment. Discover how Mattel faces unexpected challenges from their new line of rebellious dolls, jeopardizing Barbie's status. Meanwhile, Hasbro thrives by transforming their toys into blockbuster films. Dive into intense legal battles over beloved brands like Bratz, where MGA scores a surprising victory. The dynamics of leadership, innovation, and competition unfold in this captivating tale of toy supremacy.
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Holiday Barbie Overproduction
- Mattel overproduced Holiday Barbie in 1997, ignoring warnings from their team.
- This led to unsold inventory, discounted prices, and ultimately, reduced orders from retailers, impacting Mattel's sales.
The Learning Company Acquisition
- Mattel, facing declining sales, acquired The Learning Company for over $3 billion.
- This acquisition, driven by a desire to appease investors, proved disastrous due to The Learning Company's financial troubles and outdated products.
The Birth of Bratz
- Carter Bryant, a Mattel designer, created Bratz dolls and sold the rights to MGA.
- These dolls, with their diverse and edgy style, contrasted sharply with Barbie and quickly gained popularity.