EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Toy company Mattel is ramping up its efforts to bring Thomas & Friends products to consumers, rolling out a new direct-to-consumer catalog and website.
Mattel Inc. said Monday that it is also teaming with 20 independent specialty retail stores to sell the Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway goods. Toys R Us will serve as the exclusive national chain.
U.S. shoppers will be able to purchase limited edition toys through the catalog, website or at an official specialty retailer. One limited edition product is Logan, a small locomotive called a shunter that moves cars around at a coal plant. The Logan wooden engine will be available from July through Dec. 31, 2015.
The website, ThomasWoodenRailway.com, is set to launch next month.
Last week Mattel reported that its second-quarter profit dropped, stung by soft Barbie sales and costs tied to its Mega Brands acquisition.
The El Segundo company’s stock fell 58 cents, or 1.6 percent, to $35.62 in morning trading.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
