Richard Gottlieb

Does the toy industry have a problem or does Mattel have a problem?
September 7, 2007

When I read the news about the new Mattel recall, the third one in about a month, I began to wonder, does the toy industry have a problem or does Mattel have a problem?

I, as I am sure some of you, have been holding my breath in anticipation of a growing number of recalls. After all, if Mattel, the gold standard in toy safety, is having big problems then the rest of the industry might have much bigger problems.

Well, I am still holding my breath, but so far it seems to be mostly a Mattel issue. There was the MEGA Brands magnet problem a few months ago, and there have been a few recalls by smaller companies but nothing to speak of in the big scheme of things.

The question of whether this is a Mattel or an industry problem is, at least to me, a very important question for us all to answer. The press and special interest groups have defined the safety issues in China as a toy industry problem. Any time we allow someone else to define us as individuals or as companies; we are going to take a beating.

Something went wrong at Mattel and they are doing everything the can to solve it. They are a great company and have handled the recalls with much grace, openness and accountability. They are to be complimented for catching and announcing the problems.

In the final analysis this may prove to be a Mattel problem. If that is the case, it is in the best interest of the industry that it be defined it that way.

Posted by Richard Gottlieb on September 7, 2007 | Comments (0)