Richard Gottlieb is the CEO of Global Toy Group, founder of Global Toy Experts and publisher of Global Toy News, making him an authority and go-to source in the collecting community. Lest we forget his impressive collection of rare “Wizard of Oz” books. Richard and Global Toy News have agreed to share some articles highlighting industry news, fun stuff and more. Read more from Global Toy News on hobbyDB here!
Lego dominates the toy aisle. The toy industry’s Big 3, Lego, Hasbro, and Mattel, are starting to look like the Big 1. That domination is the subject of an excellent article by Wall Street Journal writer, Trefor Moss, entitled “How Lego Beat Barbie and Monopoly.”
He puts it this way:
Less than a decade ago, Lego inched ahead of Barbie maker Mattel Inc. as the world’s biggest toy company. Today, the maker of those brightly colored bricks is generating almost twice the revenue of Mattel, outpacing both it and rival Hasbro“HOW LEGO BEAT BARBIE AND MONOPOLY,” TREFOR MOSS, WALL STREET JOURNAL, MARCH 7, 2023
Less than a decade ago, Lego inched ahead of Barbie maker Mattel Inc. as the world’s biggest toy company. Today, the maker of those brightly colored bricks is generating almost twice the revenue of Mattel, outpacing both it and rival Hasbro
“HOW LEGO BEAT BARBIE AND MONOPOLY,” TREFOR MOSS, WALL STREET JOURNAL, MARCH 7, 2023
Lego’s soaring growth (revenue up 17%) comes at a time when the toy industry’s public companies are struggling. As of Friday’s close, Hasbro stock was down 43% year over year. Mattel was down 25%, Funko was down 49%, and Spin Master was down 20%.
But why do people continue to buy those little plastic bricks? I love Lego and recognize its play power. But let’s face it; there are already 400 billion Lego bricks in the world. According to Deyan Georgiev’s article, “15 Curious LEGO Facts To Know in 2023,” that is the equivalent of 86 Lego bricks for everyone in the world. He says that a retailer somewhere in the world is selling seven Lego sets every minute.
Okay, I get that Lego is one of the most fantastic toys ever created. I get that they are fun and educational for everyone in the family. But isn’t that enough? If there are 400 billion bricks in the world, why do people keep purchasing new ones?
I’ve thought about it, and here is what I think makes the difference:
Of course, the real reason is probably something beyond a mere human’s ability to calculate. Its just a great toy and probably the greatest in history.
Enter your email address if you like to receive notifications of new posts by email.
Email Address
Subscribe
hobbyDB is a participant in Amazon, eBay, Entertainment Earth, LEGO, and other affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to other websites.
We also occasionally accept consideration from Brands, Service Providers, or Retailers (which is then clearly marked as Sponsored Content) all editorial opinions are our own.