Bolstered by the success of T.M.X. Elmo last holiday season, Mattel plans to launch T.M.X. Cookie Monster and T.M.X. Ernie by next fall. The T.M.X. line of “tickle-me” toys is slightly smaller and much more technologically advanced than its predecessors. The new dolls will be far sluttier more affirming than Elmo, able to get off after a mere two tickles, opposed to Elmo’s three. Once tickled sufficiently, Cookie Monster giggles, laughs and rolls. Ernie, however, screams out “Oh Bert!” repeatedly, bobs up and down like a rubber duckie, starts squeaking and then collapses in a heap until you pour cold water on him.
Mattel released earnings yesterday, reporting an 8% and 11% rise in domestic and international gross sales respectively, with core brands such as Barbie showing growth for the first time in several years. Mattel (NYSE: MAT) was down almost a half a percent in after hours trading on Monday.
Following T.M.X. Elmo, here come his friends – [CNNMoney]
Mattel Q4 2006 Press Release