With the world plugging into the Internet, toys are under pressure. Kids are swapping plastic play for screen-based entertainment and both Mattel and Hasbro need to adapt. The question is: how?
Mattel’s also finding out the hard way that Barbie’s reign as the queen of dolls is no longer secure. Challengers to her throne are emerging and the first strike aga ... Show More
Aug 2019
Business Battles | Monster vs Beats by Dre | 1
<p>With all the hype around portable and smart speakers, it’s easy to forget that they didn’t always exist. In fact, it took one fateful meeting with Monster Cables and Interscope Records to really kick the industry off. In this one-episode Business Battle, we explore the time wh ... Show More
26m 16s
Aug 2023
Building Lego | Out of the Ashes | 1
<p>A small Danish toy company survives World War Two thanks to its quality craftsmanship, but behind the scenes all is not well. Despite its good reputation, Lego teeters on the edge of bankruptcy, and a choice to change production methods threatens to tear the family-owned compa ... Show More
35m 40s
Feb 2024
🥽 “Mickey’s Metaverse” — Disney’s Fortnite investment. Build-A-Bear’s adults-only website. America’s new trade bestie.
<p>Fortnite, the world’s biggest video game, just got a whopping $1.5B investment from Disney — Because when it comes to innovation, evolution is easier than creation.</p><p>Build-A-Bear newest teddy bears are laughably for 18+ — It shows the power of the “Velvet Rope Effect.”</p ... Show More
20m 4s
Feb 2024
Soft Toys Play Hardball in Court
<p>Today is Tuesday, February 27, and we're looking at Squishmallows vs. Build-a-Bear.</p><p>Listen to Business Wars Daily on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to all episodes ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or ... Show More
3m 21s