Mattel’s Barbie bet faces supply chain uncertainty, news by Hebei Longsheng
| Retailers including Walmart and Target are giving prominent shelf space to Mattel’s Barbie brand of toys after the launch of a new film, according to press reports. Yet, Mattel may already be slowing shipments of the line with U.S. seaborne imports linked to the brand down by 6.4% year over year in the first three weeks of September after a 15.2% gain in August. Toy manufacturers face a particularly challenging peak season with the need to back the right brands as well as navigating potential supply chain disruptions linked to COVID-19. U.S. seaborne imports of toys fell by 11.8% year over year in the first three weeks of September, continuing a prior downturn. Mattel and Spin Master have bucked the trend with imports linked to the firms up by 1.0% and 3.4% respectively. Arch-rival Hasbro meanwhile may have experienced a 23.0% slide over the same period. By Hebei Longsheng Metals & Minerals Co,. Ltd. |
