Mattel to release new line of inclusive Barbie dolls
Barbie: What you need to know The first Barbie doll made its debut on March 9, 1959. (NCD)Mattel is sharing the first look at a new line of inclusive Barbies that is expected to hit store shelves in June. The new dolls will be joining the 2022 Barbie Fashionistas Line and will be a part of their over 175 different dolls. It will feature dolls with different skin tones, body types, and disabilities including wheelchairs and hearing aids, among others. “Dip into new #Barbie Fashion Dolls - our most diverse and inclusive doll line, offering a variety of skin tones, eye colors, hair colors and textures, body types, disabilities, and fashions, to inspire even more stories,” Barbie posted on Instagram.
wftv.comMattel unveils Elizabeth II Barbie on queen's birthday
Britain Queen's Birthday This undated photo provided by Mattel shows Mattel's new Queen Elizabeth II Barbie doll. Britain's Queen Elizabeth II was marking her 96th birthday privately Thursday, April 21, 2022, retreating to the Sandringham estate in eastern England, a refuge from the affairs of state. (Mattel via AP) (Uncredited)LONDON — (AP) — Queen Elizabeth II has got her own Barbie in honor of her 96th birthday and upcoming Platinum Jubilee. California-based toymaker Mattel released the doll on the monarch's birthday Thursday in commemoration of her 70 years of service, which will be celebrated beginning on June 2. Queen Elizabeth II is marking her birthday privately, retreating to the Sandringham estate in eastern England that has offered the monarch and her late husband, Prince Philip, a refuge from the affairs of state.
wftv.comQueen Elizabeth II honored with Barbie in her likeness
The iconic Barbie doll is honoring another legend — Queen Elizabeth II. "Barbie has always been a queen; now she is Queen Elizabeth II." https://t.co/gSQOWsrqT2 — VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) April 20, 2022The Queen Elizabeth II doll is part of Barbie’s Tribute Collection, BBC News reported. >>Related: Happy birthday, Queen Elizabeth II! Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 67 Photo: Queen Elizabeth II through the years 1936: Princess Elizabeth sitting on a garden seat with two corgi dogs at her home on 145 Piccadilly, London, in July 1936.
wftv.com‘He-Man’ artist, toy designer T. Mark Taylor dead at 80
Toy artist dies: T. Mark Taylor worked for Mattel since 1976. He died Thursday, (Rebecca Taylor via AP)T. Mark Taylor, an artist and toy designer for the He-Man and Masters of the Universe franchise, died Thursday at his California home, The Associated Press reported Saturday. He-Man was the muscled product for toy manufacturer Mattel’s Masters of the Universe franchise, which would later spawn an animated series, according to the AP. Terrell Mark Taylor, who went by his middle name, was born June 5, 1941, according to online California voter registration records. Taylor began his career with Mattel in 1976 as a packaging designer, his family said.
wftv.com'He-Man' artist and toy designer T. Mark Taylor dies at 80
LOS ANGELES — (AP) — T. Mark Taylor, artist and toy designer for the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe franchise as well as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, died Thursday at his Southern California home. He-man was the muscled frontman for toy manufacturer Mattel’s Masters of the Universe franchise, which would later spawn an animated series that became a staple for children. Taylor began his career with El Segundo-based Mattel in 1976 as a packaging designer, his family said. Terrell Mark Taylor — who went by his middle name, Mark — was born on June 5, 1941, according to California voter registration records. Us men had our day,” Taylor told fans during an appearance at a He-Man festival in 2015.
wftv.comT. Mark Taylor, artist and toy designer, dies at 80
LOS ANGELES — (AP) — T. Mark Taylor, artist and toy designer for the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe franchise as well as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, died Thursday at his Southern California home. He-man was the muscled frontman for toy manufacturer Mattel’s Masters of the Universe franchise, which would later spawn an animated series that became a staple for children. Kids squeezed in homework between scenes featuring the strapping cartoon hero as he battled sorcerers and other villains. Taylor began his career with El Segundo-based Mattel in 1976 as a packaging designer, his family said. Terrell Mark Taylor — who went by his middle name, Mark — was born on June 5, 1941, according to California voter registration records.
wftv.comBarbie celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Celia Cruz, Julia Alvarez dolls
New dolls: Barbie dolls depicting Celia Cruz, left, and Julia Alvarez were unveiled by Mattel this week as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. (Mattel)Toy giant Mattel is marking Hispanic Heritage Month with two new Barbie dolls. >> Read more trending newsThe company unveiled Barbie dolls depicting singer Celia Cruz, a salsa star known as “La Guarachera de Cuba,” and Dominican American author-activist Julia Alvarez, “Good Morning America” reported. The Cruz doll is decked out in a red tulle gown with gold embroidery, the Miami Herald reported. — Barbie (@Barbie) September 15, 2021Alvarez, 71, was born in New York City.
wftv.comElvis is back! Mattel celebrates King of Rock ’n’ Roll with collectible Barbie doll
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll meets the queen of dolls in a marriage made in pop culture heaven. >> Read more trending newsMattel announced Wednesday that it will honor singing legend Elvis Presley with a collectible Barbie doll, a move that coincides with Elvis Week 2021. “Barbie honors the legendary ‘King of rock ‘n’ roll’ with an Elvis Presley Barbie doll featuring a slick pompadour ponytail and wearing an outfit inspired by his iconic ‘American Eagle’ jumpsuit. In 2008, Mattel released the “Elvis and Priscilla Barbie Doll Giftset,” a 1996 offering that presented dolls of Presley and his bride. In 2997, Mattel released the “Barbie Loves Elvis” doll, which spotlights Presley in a gold jacket and black pants while holding a guitar.
wftv.comMattel says skateboarder Barbie was supposed to be Asian, admits 'falling short' on representation
Mattel has issued a statement regarding its alleged lack of an Asian doll in its Tokyo Olympics Barbie collection. First unveiled in February 2020, the collection reflects five sports that debuted at or returned to the Tokyo Games, namely (1) baseball/softball, (2) sport climbing, (3) karate, (4) skateboarding and (5) surfing. A press release from Mattel said that it highlights “inclusivity and innovation.”
news.yahoo.comBarbie honors women who have led battle against COVID-19
Honoring COVID-19 workers Barbie is honoring those on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic with one-of-a-kind dolls. (Mattel)Mattel doll line Barbie is honoring some of the women who are on the front lines leading the battle against the coronavirus pandemic. #ThankYouHeroes pic.twitter.com/x6pdOlJNDZ — Barbie (@Barbie) August 4, 2021Gilbert’s doll has long auburn hair, black glasses and a navy blue pantsuit. More coronavirus pandemic coverage:>> Coronavirus: How long between exposure to the virus and the start of symptoms? This tool will tell you>> How to not let coronavirus pandemic fatigue set in, battle back if it does©2021 Cox Media Group
wftv.comMattel unveils Helen Keller doll in Barbie’s Inspiring Women’s Series
Helen Keller has been added to the Barbie doll collection of inspiring women. >> Read more trending newsKeller, an American author, political activist and champion for the rights of the disabled, becomes the 12th person honored by toy giant Mattel in the Barbie Inspiring Women series, the company said in a news release. Mattel Unveils Helen Keller Doll — the Newest Addition to Barbie's Inspiring Women Series https://t.co/t9uuXXC0SY — People (@people) May 18, 2021Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s senior vice president and global head of Barbie and dolls, said in a statement that the company was “excited” to welcome Keller into the collection. My favorite part of the design process for the Inspiring Women series is the research,” Carlyle Nuera, designer of the Keller doll, said in a news release. “These dolls shine a spotlight on these women’s achievements and can serve as a discovery tool for kids and adults to learn about them.”
wftv.comMattel PlayBack program wants to recycle your old toys
Mattel is looking to recycle those long-forgotten Barbies and Matchbox cars to help the planet. First, you dig out all the Barbies, Matchbox and MEGA toys that are no longer played with and box them up. Mattel will recycle what it can and reuse the materials in new toys. “Mattel toys are made to last and be passed from generation to generation,” Mattel President and Chief Operating Officer Richard Dickson said in a statement, according to USA Today. Two Fisher-Price items, Rock-a-Stack, Baby’s First Blocks and three Mega Bloks sets are currently made from bio-based plastics, USA Today reported.
wftv.comRussia's only woman cosmonaut, Anna Kikina, inspires one-of-a-kind Barbie doll
Mattel created two versions of the cosmonaut Anna Kikina Barbie doll: one wearing a flight suit and one in a Russian Orlan spacesuit. The only woman who is currently active in Russia's cosmonaut corps now has her own one-of-a-kind Barbie doll. Barbie presents a doll that embodies the image of Anna Kikina, the only woman in Roscosmos' cosmonaut corps," Russia's state space corporation announced on Tuesday (March 16). Pioneering women in space: a gallery of astronaut firstsRoscosmos cosmonaut Anna Kikina poses with a Mattel Barbie doll modeled in her image. Mattel's new "You Can Be Whoever You Want" Barbie doll is styled after Russian cosmonaut Anna Kikina.
space.comBarbie's friend Ken celebrates a milestone birthday: 60
A reproduction of the original Ken doll, launched in 1961 as a companion to Barbie, appears in Bergen County, N.J., on Monday, March 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)Ken is turning 60, two years after his best friend Barbie did. Mattel launched a reproduction of the original Ken doll on Thursday to commemorate his 1961 debut. “I would say Ken is a good friend and a best friend, a supportive best friend to the Barbie doll,” Best said. AdThe original Barbie, launched in 1959, also came in a bathing suit, a minimalist strategy to encourage consumers to buy outfits and accessories.
Barbie celebrates International Women's Day with new Eleanor Roosevelt doll
Mattel is celebrating Women's History Month with a fitting new addition to the Barbie family: An Eleanor Roosevelt doll. Ahead of International Women's Day on Monday, Barbie announced that Eleanor Roosevelt is the latest historical role model to join its "Inspiring Women" series, which helps fund women-led research on media representation. The longest-serving first lady, Roosevelt served in the White House during her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt's terms in office, from 1933 to 1945. "A champion of policies around civil and economic rights, Eleanor Roosevelt's passionate advocacy was unwavering, even when faced with resistance," Mattel said in a statement. Eleanor Roosevelt's new Barbie doll wears a floral print dress, pearl necklace and black hat.
cbsnews.comStrong holiday quarter sales gave Mattel its ‘best performance in years,’ CEO says
In its fourth-quarter report released after Tuesday's close, Mattel posted $1.6 billion in sales, up 10% from the year-ago quarter. It marks the first time the toymaker's sales grew double digits in a holiday quarter since 2006 when the figure rose more than 14%. "This was an exceptional quarter for Mattel with our best performance in years with strong consumer demand and another milestone year for the company," Kreiz said in a "Mad Money" interview. "This is part of our mid- to long-term strategy," Kreiz said. Looking forward, Mattel projects sales to grow by mid-to-single digits this year, barring coronavirus impact and other economic uncertainties.
cnbc.comHot Wheels Perseverance lands in stores ahead of rover on Mars
NASA's Mars Perseverance rover is on course to land — on toy store shelves. In photos: NASA's Mars Perseverance rover mission to the Red PlanetRepackaged roverHot Wheels Mars Perseverance Rover is arriving in stores ahead of the car-sized rover arriving at Jezero Crater to search for signs of past life on Mars and cache samples for return to Earth. Persistent partnershipHot Wheels Mars Perseverance Rover features a rotating camera mast and reddish-brown "soil" stained wheels (Image credit: Mattel)The Mars Perseverance Rover, which retails for $1.09, is part of the Hot Wheels "Space" line for 2021, an assortment of five different vehicles each with a space or cosmic theme. The Perseverance toy continues a long history of Hot Wheels celebrating NASA's missions and working with the engineers at JPL in Pasadena, California. "I don't think we are going to be there on landing day because it is all going to be hectic, but we definitely will get the [Hot Wheels Perseverance Rover] samples to them when we can," Shaffstall said.
space.comMattel unveils Maya Angelou Barbie doll
Doctor Maya Angelou is the latest addition to Barbie’s “Inspiring Women” series. The Angelou doll has a head wrap and a floral printed dress. Barbie says the women of this series were risk-takers who “changed rules and paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever before.”[TRENDING: Can Trump run for president again? | Fifth-largest lotto jackpot up for grabs]Angelou’s career includes a National Book Award nomination for I know why the caged bird sings, her 1970 autobiography. She has also received dozens of honorary doctorates, numerous awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Barbie-maker Mattel CEO: Toy demand has been 'more than we expected'
Mattel is working to catch up to an unexpected surge in consumer demand for toys as the holiday shopping season rolls near, CEO Ynon Kreiz told CNBC Friday. "We are seeing tremendous demand for our products, more than we expected," he said in an interview with Jim Cramer on "Mad Money." "With such surge in demand, we are now working hard to be able to fulfill it." "Just extraordinary growth in demand, coming from a decline in the first half into such growth in the third quarter heading into the holiday season," Kreiz said. Retailers were pushed to refill their toy and board game inventories, which helped Mattel grow sales last quarter by 10%.
cnbc.comBarbie relaunches Yara Shahidi ‘vote’ doll ahead of elections
This new Barbie doll is encouraging people to vote. It’s a relaunch of Mattel’s Shero Doll featuring activist and actress Yara Shahidi. But, it’s getting a fashion makeover. [TRENDING: Fla. moves to phase 3 of coronavirus reopening | New Jurassic World coaster announced | What authority do local leaders have in Phase 3?] This Barbie wears a T-shirt that says “vote.”Mattel says this doll will be available to ship Oct. 9, just in time for election day.
Homebound parents bought board games, not Barbies, crippling Mattel's sales in the first quarter
Consumers stocked up on board games, not Barbie dolls, amid the coronavirus pandemic, sending Mattel's sales in the first quarter tumbling. With schools and afterschool programs closed, parents sought out family-friendly games, outdoor toys and art kits to keep their children busy. The action figure, building set and games category fell 21%. Brands such as Hot Wheels, which saw sales bloom 5%, and games such as Uno and Pictionary were bright spots for the company during the quarter. "However, the company saw improving POS trends in April, and gross margin performance was better than expected."
cnbc.comStocks making the biggest moves after hours: Pinterest, Mattel, Virgin Galactic and more
Walt Disney The entertainment giant's stock was down 2% in extended trading after the company reported its second-quarter financial results. Pinterest The social media platform's stock tumbled 18% in extended trading after the company reported earnings for the first quarter. Virgin Galactic The aerospace company's stock climbed 3% in extended trading after Virgin Galactic reported first-quarter financials. It reported an adjusted EBITDA loss of $53 million for the quarter, just below the $55 million loss reported last quarter. Planet Fitness Shares of the gym chain dipped 3% in extended trading after the company reported earnings for the first quarter.
cnbc.comMattel launches Thank You Heroes line of collectible action figures
Individuals and companies from around the nation are doing their part to honor the everyday heroes keeping us going during the coronavirus pandemic. Mattel is one of them as it announced the launch of #ThankYouHeroes, a special edition line of 16 collectible action figures. The Fisher-Price action figures include doctors, nurses, EMTs and delivery drivers. The action figures cost $20 each. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.
Coronavirus could slow Baby Yoda toy production
Hasbro is bracing for the impact of the coronavirus on the upcoming release of its "Star Wars" Baby Yoda toys. The disruptions haven't derailed production of the toys, but Jim Silver, CEO of the industry review website Toys, Tots, Pets and more,' said he thinks Baby Yoda toy production will drop by five to ten percent. Hasbro says it is "working to mitigate" the manufacturing impact of the coronavirus. Disney and Hasbro unveiled several Baby Yoda toys last month. Baby Yoda toys from Hasbro, Funko, Mattel and Build-a-Bear are scheduled to be on store shelves this month.
Orlando is UNHhhhlando on Wednesday, when Trixie Mattel comes to the Plaza Live
Trixie Mattel is the quintessential larger-than-life modern American drag queen and the creation of Brian Michael Firkus, who has been performing drag since 2008. Now Mattel brings her 2020 Grown Up tour to Orlando in an extravagant, and essential, flourish of theater, comedy, music and pink feathers. Better work!8 p.m. Wednesday, March 4 | The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave. | 407-228-1220 | plazaliveorlando.org | $39.50Consider supporting local journalism. Our small but mighty local team works tirelessly to bring you high-quality, uncensored news and cultural coverage of Central Florida. Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing pledge, your support helps keep Orlandos true free press
orlandoweekly.comMattel's remote-controlled Tesla Cybertruck comes with its own 'cracked' window sticker
While Tesla's actual electric pickup isn't expected until to be available until next year, fans of the polarizing, and very angular, truck will only need to wait until December for these miniature versions, Mattel said. Elon Musk smashed the "bulletproof" windows of his prototype Cybertruck, and now you can, too. The 1:64 scale model, around 3 inches long, is the same size as a traditional Hot Wheels car, so it can be used with any of Mattel's car tracks, the toymaker said. It costs $20 and will be available until all units are sold out. The limited-release vehicles are available for preorder but won't ship until December.
cnbc.comMattel shares jump as earnings top estimates, but American Girl and Fisher-Price sales remain weak
Mattel turned in mixed fourth-quarter results after holiday revenue was weighed down by continuing sales declines in its American Girl and Fisher-Price brands. Sales during the holiday quarter slumped 3%, once again feeling the strain from poor sales of American Girl dolls and Fisher-Price toys. Sales in the American Girl segment dropped 20% in the fourth quarter, pulling down the entire doll category 6% despite the growth of the Barbie brand. Declines in Fisher-Price Friends, Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends brought the infant, toddler and preschool segment down 9%. Meanwhile, Hasbro saw its sales rise 3% during the holiday quarter, buoyed by toys from Frozen and Star Wars that are tied to its Disney partnership.
cnbc.comStocks making the biggest moves in the premarket: Allergan, Taubman Centers, Eli Lilly & more
Taubman Centers (TCO) Mall operator Simon Property Group (SPG) will buy rival Taubman for $52.50 per share in cash, or about $3.6 billion. Allergan (AGN) The drugmaker reported quarterly earnings of $5.22 per share, compared to estimates of $4.57 a share. Edgewell Personal Care (EPC) The maker of Schick razors reported quarterly profit of 55 cents per share, well above the consensus estimate of 29 cents a share. Restaurant Brands (QSR) The restaurant operator reported quarterly profit of 75 cents per share, 2 cents a share above estimates. Eli Lilly (LLY) Lilly and partner Genentech said their experimental therapy for a rare form of Alzheimer's disease missed its primary goal in a study.
cnbc.comProsthetic limbs, wheelchairs, no hair: New Barbies reflect diverse customers
Barbie dolls are known for getting makeovers, but, this time, the toys are evolving to better reflect the children who play with them. Barbie says a new release of toys is the brand’s “most diverse doll line” yet. Some of the new Barbies have rainbow-colored hair or no hair at all. Others have wheelchairs or prosthetic limbs and they come in varied skin tones. Barbie says on its website the dolls are to add "more diversity for endless storytelling possibilities."
Mattel CEO: This holiday shopping season is all about the 'big brands'
For Mattel, this holiday toy shopping season, the last of the decade, has been all about the "big brands" and "big franchises," according to CEO Ynon Kreiz. That is the case especially for the toymaker's iconic Barbie and Hot Wheels lines. New additions to the Barbie brand, which launched with the Barbie Dream House in 1962, include the Barbie Dream Plane and Judge Barbie, which Kreiz said is made to empower girls. After selling 500 million Hot Wheels items in 2018, a record, Mattel expects to exceed that number in 2019, he added. Kreiz gave "Mad Money" host Jim Cramer a preview of the hottest-selling toys the company launched this year.
cnbc.comEverything Jim Cramer said about the stock market on 'Mad Money,' including market rotation, Mattel CEO, Robinhood reaches 10 million subscribers
CNBC's Jim Cramer breaks down Wednesday's market rotation and reveals where retail investors can shop for stocks. The "Mad Money" host sits down with the CEO of Mattel. Later in the show, he gets insight into how the mobile stock app Robinhood managed to grow its user base past 10 million from the company's co-founders. The big fund investors, who influence stock trajectories, are rotating their holdings away from fast-growing companies with slim profits into equities that pay higher dividends, the "Mad Money" host revealed to viewers. "I think it's just a testament to what we've been able to do," he said in a "Mad Money" interview.
cnbc.comMattel replaces red, blue cards in new UNO Nonpartisan deck
Mattel Games has introduced a new game called UNO Nonpartisan, which features slight variations from the original. A study by YouGov found that 40% of people admit that opposite political views and voting patterns are problematic within families. UNO wants families to take a break from political discussions when playing the game. The biggest difference from the original UNO is all red and blue cards have been removed so there’s “no taking sides.” The colors have been replaced by orange and purple. UNO Nonpartisan (Credit: Mattel)There’s also a new veto card that can be played to force political talk to stop and keep the focus on fun.
Mattel, PricewaterhouseCoopers reportedly buried accounting issues, former executive claims
Mattel stock slumped more than 3% Wednesday after a report surfaced purporting that the toy company and its auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers obscured an accounting error. The accounting error had to do with Mattel's ownership of "Thomas & Friends," an animated children's show. The error was tied to a $562 million valuation allowance that Mattel created against its deferred tax assets in September 2017. Notably, the Journal pointed out that PwC earned more than $9 million in fees from Mattel last year, including $1.2 million for tax services. In October, Mattel admitted there had been an accounting error and that the internal investigation had found weaknesses in its accounting procedures.
cnbc.comHasbro hit hard by tariffs just before the holidays
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images"The Force" and "Frozen" couldn't save toy maker Hasbro from the US-China trade war. Hasbro added that the company was forced to post higher shipping and warehousing expenses as retailers shifted the timing of their orders as a result of tariffs. Hasbro also reported flat sales growth in the unit that includes toys for younger kids, including Power Rangers, Playskool and Mr. Hasbro and Mattel have bounced back since then and have increased their presence at other top retailers such as Amazon, Walmart and Target. But tariffs could still wind up being the Grinch that steals Christmas sales for both toy companies this holiday season.