Barbie Outsells Bratz Dolls But Only Narrowly
This was a contentious week for Mattel,Inc. The maker of the Barbie
doll toys announced it was suing the maker of the Bratz toys, a growing
competitor for stealing Mattel’s ideas. We asked 27 toy store
respondents which toy is its hottest item? Are you currently sold-out
of any hot item? Which is your best selling Barbie, and between the
Bratz and Barbie, which sells best? 30% of those interviewed said that
action figures are selling like hot cakes, while 11% said the Nintendo
wii sells best. (Other items mentioned were video games, Elmo live ,
and anything to do with Hannah Montana.) 30% of those interviewed said
they were selling out of Nintendo wii or some video games. 19 people or
70% however, said they were selling out of anything at all. And 52%
contended that Barbie remains the best selling and superior doll.
(Hispanic Barbie, Barbie Splash and Tooth Fairy Barbie were among those
mentioned). 41% insist Bratz is best.
The House Blend Sells Poorly at Peet's Coffee
Tickermine revisited Peet’s Coffee stores this week. 23 stores were
approached and respondents were asked which coffee drinks are selling
best? Which coffee drinks does the respondent order themselves? And
which percentage of sales were plain coffee alone vs. specialty drinks?
We found that Lattes remain the best selling drinks, according to 39%
of those interviewed. The Arabian Mocha Java drink was cited by 17% and
the same amount mentioned Freddos. Only 9% cited House blend coffee as
their best seller. 52% of those polled said that 10 to 20% of their
customers order plain coffee. 22 per cent said that less than 10% of
their customers order plain coffee drinks, while 26% said greater than
20% of their customers do this. And 49% reported that they themselves
order plain drip coffee. 39% say they order a specialty drink and 13%,
surprisingly, reported they won't touch the stuff with a pole.
57% of Cost Plus Locations See Business as Flat or Down Versus Last Year
Cost Plus Inc., the retailer, was profiled this week. 28 store
locations around the country were approached and respondents were asked
which items sell best? How is business compared to this time last year?
What is your busiest time of year? And are most of your customers
buying goods or shopping for themselves? We found that 75% of those
interviewed were shopping for themselves and only 25% were shopping for
gifts. 25% said business was slower from a year ago, 32% said it was
the same and 39% said sales were busier. 32% felt that winter was a
busier month, while 50% thought it was summer, 14% said it was fall.
Only 4% said that spring time kept them the busiest. And only two items
were mentioned as best sellers: Outdoor furniture were cited by 29% and
14% said that it was wine.
