Simona Vasquez
Fundamentals of Supervisions
01/31/2015
Mattel ‘s CEO Bryan G. Stockton resigned after disappointing sales during the holiday season last year. Sales were down 6% during the holiday season for 2014 and were below the level Mattel reported three years earlier.
Mattel, based in El Segundo, has been struggling with sluggish sales of Barbie and Fisher-Price products that have been hampered by children spending more time on digital devices, and less time playing with traditional toys.
As Barbie's cultural relevance has dimmed, one of the company's brighter spots has been the sale of Disney’s princess brands, especially the "Frozen" dolls. Unfortunately for Mattel, it will lose its license to produce those wildly popular dolls to Hasbro next year, a deal worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
There were a number of factors involving the decline of Mattel’s stock, some which may not have been under Bryan Stockton’s control.
Struggles could be seen with its Barbie doll and Fisher-Price brands with young customers. Children now prefer digital devices rather than playing with traditional toys like dolls, cars, and arts and crafts. Technological advancements that continue to change the life style of each age group and a lack of compelling new toys and innovation.
Loosing its contract as doll maker for Disney to Hasbro next year, a deal worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Sales slipped 6% during the holiday