Mattel Will Survive Toy Recall
In America, there are two groups you just don’t mess with: Our children and our pets. Both of these groups are seen as being vulnerable, helpless and in need of our protection. That’s one of the reasons why the Vick story has sparked such vehement public outrage.
And it’s also why the recent Mattel toy recall has garnered emotional headlines. Allegations of lead-based paint in toys Mattel imported from China have caused everyone from moms to the Texas Attorney General’s office to sound the alarms.
But Mattel’s brand, and its reputation among American families is strong, thanks in part to the unwavering leadership and integrity CEO Bob Eckert has provided for many years. The Mattel brand will survive–the real danger here is to other toy manufacturers whose trust bank isn’t as flush as Mattel’s. The reality is that a similar situation with a lesser-known (and less trusted) toy manufacturer could spell the end of their business.
With Eckert’s leadership, resolve and resources, Mattel’s brand will be fine, even if its stock takes a temporary downturn. One word of caution to Eckert, however–the fact that his brand is one of the biggest and most well-known in the industry makes his company a prime target for a class action suit, should one arise.
Mattel is doing a good job of keeping the lines of communication open. If they continue to run to the crisis, they increase the chances of being able to avoid long-lasting brand damage.
