Mattel’s new “beautronics” device aimed at tween girls, the Barbie Nail Printer, is a glorified inkjet printer that customizes and prints designs on your fingernails. Neat idea in theory, though a bit pricey at $180. However, Mattel has apparently overlooked an essential part of the inkjet printer business model: selling new and overpriced cartridges. The problem, reader Richard writes, is that the company refuses to take orders for new cartridges, saying that they won’t be available until next year. But I want pink leopard print fingernails now! [More]
Mattel Sells Overpriced Barbie Printer, Forgets To Make Overpriced Refill Cartridges
By December 26, 2009
Disney Princess Shrink Ray Hits Mattel Dolls
By December 17, 2009
Shopping for toys at Target, Anthony noticed an interesting change in a small, inexpensive doll that his daughter enjoys. The princesses have been affected by a toy shrink ray–the dolls are smaller, the mold used to make them is different, and they come with fewer accessories–for the same price, naturally. [More]
Zhu Zhu Pets May Contain Poisonous Substance: Should You Care?
By December 6, 2009
This holiday season’s inexplicably hot toy, Zhu Zhu Pets, may be hazardous to your health. And not just because many parents stood outside in the cold for hours to get one. No, according to green ratings guide GoodGuide.com, the cuddly robot toys contain high levels of the substance antimony, which could be hazardous. [More]
Mattel To Release "Palm Beach Sugar Daddy" Ken Doll. Yes, Really.
By October 30, 2009
Playing “Madoff investors” just got a little easier thanks to Mattel’s “Palm Beach Sugar Daddy” Ken doll, which will be released in April of 2010.
Morning Deals
By October 23, 2009
- Clothing
- REI Outlet: [Travel & Hike] Top-rated Gregory Reactor Pack $45
- Jones New York : [Apparel] 30% Off Entire Purchase w/ Coupon FRIEND6Z
- Aeropostale : [Apparel] Extra 30% Off All Clearance w/ Coupon FALL30
- REI: [Clothing & Accessories] Up to 50% off on The North Face: Deals from $10 + free shipping
- SteveMadden: [Shoes] Steve Madden Fall Favorites Sale: Up to 40% off + free shipping
Target: No Plans To Remove Bleeding Rock-A-Stacks
By October 13, 2009
Target decided to break its rule about not talking to blogs and responded to our inquiry about the Fisher Price Rock A Stack toys with the blue rings that bleed blue dye on those who encounter it. We asked how many complaints has Target received about this defect? Are there any plans to remove the toy it from the shelves? And If a customer has bought the toy and wishes to return or exchange it, is a receipt required? They responded thusly:
FDA Banned Flavored Cigs, But Not Menthols. Why?
By September 23, 2009
Back in June we noted that the FDA was about to get a lot more say over the tobacco industry if the Senate approved a new bill. Well they did, and so yesterday the FDA flexed its new muscles by banning fruit, herb, spice, and candy flavorings from cigarettes. That’s right: clove cigarettes were just banned by the FDA, which is bad news for gothy teens and great news for everyone else.
Mattel, Primary Reason For Toy Safety Law, Gets Exempted From It
By August 28, 2009
When the CPSIA—the toy safety law that requires independent lab tests on toys—was passed, a lot of smaller toy manufacturers complained that it was really a dirty trick by the big toy companies to increase overhead for the small ones. Now comes word that the government has secretly exempted Mattel from the law’s testing requirements—even though Mattel was responsible for 6 lead-tainted toy recalls in 2007.
Mattel Profits Increase After Cost Cuts
By July 17, 2009
Mattel’s revenues are down by 19%. Toy sales from summer movies and flagship product Barbie and Hot Wheels are down. However, the company reported today that profits are way up. So what explains the profits? Blame a visit from Price Hike Barbie.
Mattel Will Pay $2.3 Million Penalty For All Those Lead Toys
By June 6, 2009
Remember back when lead toys were all the rage? Oh, those dangerous days, when you couldn’t lick a Dora the Explorer doll without fear of memory loss! Well, Mattel and the Consumer Prouct Safety Commission (CPSC) have reached an agreement on how much Mattel should pay for importing toys that exceeded U.S. lead safety guidelines, and the amount is $2.3 million. Maybe now the CPSC can use some of that money to grease the DC wheels and get their new chair nominee confirmed.
By February 2, 2009
Barbie may have to move out of the dream house or whatever — sales are down 9% and Mattel is hurting. [Bizjournals]
Fisher-Price Kiddie Camera Comes With Fun And A Computer Virus
By January 3, 2009
Jeff says his kid’s new toy, a working camera from Fisher-Price, tried to give his computer a virus when he plugged it in!
New Toy Safety Rule Has Collateral Damage: Handmade Toy Manufacturers
By December 24, 2008
Thanks to big companies like Mattel, this may be the last Christmas season for a lot of handmade or custom toys from small businesses.
Barbie Vs Bratz: Barbie Wins! Court Stops Production Of Bratz Merchandise
By December 13, 2008
This may well be the last holiday season for Bratz dolls, as a federal judge ordered their manufacturer to cease production and stop selling the popular dolls.
Mom, Will You Open This? Amazon Announces "Frustration Free" Packaging
By November 3, 2008
Anyone who was once a child or has been around a child during the holidays knows that toy packages are pure evil straight from hell. Now, according to a letter currently on the front page of Amazon.com, they’ve decided to dedicate themselves to removing this scourge from your lives.
Mattel's Toy Blood Pressure Cuff's Paint Was About 5% Lead
By August 29, 2008
Just how much lead was in that toy blood pressure cuff Mattel were so reluctant to recall back in February? The one they said “me federal regulations and international consumer product safety standards?” Well, a reader’s scientist friend working in lab tested it on the equipment there. According to his results, the amount of lead in the paint was 4-5% lead by weight. “For reference,” he writes, “U.S. EPA HUD guidelines set the action limit for paint at 0.5% lead by weight. Any level over 0.5% is considered to be contaminated…Lead paint used on houses 50 years ago had lead content of 2-15%.”
This Week In Executive Compensation: $12.2 Million For Mattel's Conniver-In-Chief
By April 27, 2008
Let’s say you run a toy company. Your retarding poison toys earn you a well-deserved public flogging, which you escape by scapegoating Chinese workers. The media doesn’t realize, until it’s too late, that the real culprits are the dangerous domestic designers you employ. Sales inch up marginally. Do you deserve $12.2 million, a 68% raise? Mattel’s Board of Directors thinks so!
Round 32: News Corp vs Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company
By April 25, 2008
This is Round 32 in our Worst Company in America contest, News Corp vs Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company, marking the end of tier 1 voting (phew!). Vote which sucks more, inside…
