Shop Talk

Check out the stronger-than-anticipated results from Mattel.

The toy giant notched a 12 percent jump in sales and a surprise profit in its latest quarter, sending a strong signal that toys are getting year-round attention, not just a holiday season boost.

Barbie’s sales rose 5 percent and some newer items, such as the World Wresting Entertainment and Thomas and Friends collections, were very good sellers, Mattel said.  (That’s Triple H showing off his WWE action figure at Toy Fair earlier this year)

American Girl dolls and accessories posted a 6 percent rise in sales, suggesting even pricey goods are back in style.

Mattel’s strength came on the heels of U.S. retailers posting a stellar month of sales growth.  Even Canada’s MEGA Brands, which posted a loss last month, said its sales rose for the first time since the first quarter of 2007.  Are consumers back for good?  We’ll get another dose of data when Mattel’s main rival, Hasbro, issues its results on Monday.

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