-
From Mattel 1st Quarter report:
American Girl Brands
First quarter gross sales for the American Girl Brands business unit, which offers American
Girl? branded products direct to consumers, were $61.9 million, down 9 percent versus last
year primarily due to the timing of the Easter holiday and strong performance in 2005 from the
debut of the Marisol? Girl of the Year doll.
I had not realized that Easter would be a big buying holiday, the Bunny only brings candy here. [img]wink.gif[/img]
Marisol is a dancer and her items were big sellers with her sparkly, "fancy" collection. Jess is more of an outdoor-sy person and her collection has no "glitz." If Marisol's sales are that far ahead of Jess', you can bet we will have more girly-girl dolls/accessories/clothing to look forward to, not only in LE but also AGT and the historicals.
-
I think that you are probably right, but it seems that Marisol's collection with the dance things was probably more "relatable" to a lot of girls.
I think Jess might do well with some more camping/outdoor/hiking type things. The Kayak and tree swing are neat, but I think they could have done better. Some of her items remind me too much of Kailey's things.
I have not read the book, so I don't know what all could be pulled from it to use, but what about a cool backpack with gear, hiking shorts and boots, authenic costume for the country she is living in, tent, sleeping bags, compass, etc.
Plus, I know a lot of homeschoolers are very interested in the homeschool aspect of the doll, what about school books and supplies?
I don't think it "has" to be the girly stuff so much, but some of Jess's items seem to be odd choices! Just my [img]graemlins/money.gif[/img]
Faith
<font color="#33CCCC" size="1">[ April 18, 2006 02:31 PM: Message edited by: TexasMom ]</font>
-
I am surprised Jess isn't more popular based on the different face mold.
I just didn't like Marisol's tap outfit at all. In fact the only one we own is her ballet practice outfit.
-
I'll just type my comment here! [img]smile.gif[/img]
I like Jess much better! I changed my Marisol's personality so she is not at all Girly-girl, well she is into fashion a little. She lives on a boat and studies dolphins with her parents. I guess I just like outdoor-sy better!
I love Jess, and can't wait to order her! [img]graemlins/heart.gif[/img]
-
I think there should be more camping-type stuff, if not for Jess than for AGT. I've gone camping a lot of summers because og GS so I would love to see some tents and more sleeping bags and stuff.
-
I like Jess way better than Marisol, and her stuff a lot more too!
But I think more girls can identify with Marisol than Jess. I got Marisol's ballet outfits (both of them and of course the doll) because I love dance. More young girls have had experience with dance than with kayaking!
I really think that Jess's collection SHOULD have more play value though. My husband even putters her around the living room when she's in the kayak.
I'm sad she's not selling well, but maybe that will make her more rare and exciting to own.
-
What would happen if they don't sell out by end of the year? I have one waiting at home for Christmas, but would AG just stop at the normal time? If so, that would make her more rare if not as many are sold.
-
I guess I'm not that surprised. I don't have any daughters myself, but it sure seems like my nieces are into the "girly-girl" stuff much more than I ever was as a child. I don't know if it's marketing that makes them want the girl stuff or just natural instinct though. I've noticed that adults tend to be more likely to purchase the frilly items as well. They are sometimes worse than the kids.
<font color="#33CCCC" size="1">[ May 24, 2006 12:01 PM: Message edited by: greenehorn ]</font>
-
Around here we like Jess a million times better than Marisol and dance is big in our household. Jess is just prettier in our opinion. I thing if AG came out with more things for her she would sell better. I also think the decrease in sales is because of the fact that the movie coupon this year wasn't as good as last years. Maybe AG will realize the numbers show a good discounts bring in more sales. I also think with the economy being what it is people are just not buying as many dolls and toys.
-
Another thing about Jess is that her items are more summery, I wonder if her stuff will sell better once summer really gets into full swing. I agree that the tree swing and kayak (although cute) are odd choices for little girls, I can't imagine many little girls getting really excited about owning the kayak, especially because the dolls can't go anywhere near water!
