Barbie dolls are lined up on the wall at Barbie's 50th birthday party at Barbie's real-life Malibu Dream House in Malibu, California, March 9, 2009. (Photo : REUTERS)
Toy company Mattel's famous brand Thomas & Friends recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. The company put up a huge event to show the world that it is currently one of the fastest growing brands.
"Thomas & Friends" is also known as the British-American children's television series that captured the hearts of little kids and even adults worldwide. It debuted back in 1984, so many of its first patrons are now parents themselves.
This is why on the said event marking this milestone, not only children were singing along with the Fat Controller of the Island of Sotor, a well-known character on the series. The parents themselves enjoyed singing along.
During the event, around 70 models of the limited-edition 70th anniversary mini engines were also displayed. The public who attended the event were among the first to witness these, since this was the first time that the engines were displayed to the world.
Apart from Thomas & Friends, Mattel also owns equally renowned toy brands Barbie and Hot Wheels. Even with the advent of digital toys and tablets, Mattel posted a 5-percent growth in net sales in April.
In China, Mattel had partnered with McDonald's and therefore serves as the major toy sponsor on all children parties held at the global fast-food chain.
It comes as no surprise then that China is one of the most critical markets for Mattel. The country is currently 20th in Mattel's licensed products business and the company is determined to make China reach the top 10.
