Joan Verdon

Alexa+ , Amazon's next generation personal assistant, is helping drive three time more purchases, and increased customer engagement. Courtesy of Amazon

Toymaker Hasbro today unveiled a project it has been working on in stealth mode for the past year - an AI studio tasked with giving iconic Hasbro properties like Mr.

This year's Prime Day sales event marked a significant shift, with AI-powered search and browsers effectively driving consumer purchases. Adobe data revealed that shoppers using AI had a 40% higher conversion rate compared to non-AI channels like paid search or email, a dramatic improvement from last year's negative performance. Though AI traffic volume is still modest, it's increasingly shortening the path to purchase for consumers. Overall, Prime Day generated $26.4 billion in online sales, a 9.3% increase year-over-year, nearing holiday season spending levels. Electronics, appliances, tools and home improvement, home and garden, and furniture and bedding saw the biggest sales boosts.

Lionel, the 126-year-old model train maker, is using its acquisition by collectibles company Round 2 to turn nostalgia into a growth strategy.

Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks spent much of the earnings call today explaining why Magic:The Gathering is a safe, long-term bet. View Original Article

American families are grappling with economic worries as they prepare for back-to-school, yet record spending is anticipated. Parents prioritize essential school items, driving K-12 spending to $43.3 billion and college to $103.5 billion. Many households, especially higher-income ones, are cutting back on discretionary purchases, while lower-income families contend with rising prices. To cope, parents are aggressively seeking deals, switching to private labels, and leveraging buy-now-pay-later options. A significant number are also working extra shifts or resorting to credit card debt, and are extending the shopping season to find savings amidst financial pressure.

Mattel reported mixed second-quarter results, with sales up 10% but a net loss of $18 million due to inflation and higher costs. The Masters of the Universe movie, despite a weak box office, significantly boosted toy sales, tripling merchandise billings year-to-date and becoming a streaming hit. CEO Ynon Kreiz highlighted the film's "halo effect" on the brand, proving IP ownership drives value beyond theatrical success. However, the doll category, led by Barbie, saw a 5% decline. Mattel faces pressure to demonstrate its entertainment-focused strategy is effective, with upcoming releases like Matchbox The Movie and refreshed core products aimed at driving future growth and innovation in underperforming areas.

Mattel executives called the “Masters of the Universe” a success in terms of toy sales despite disappointing box office results. View Original Article

Mattel executives called the "Masters of the Universe" a success in terms of toy sales despite disappointing box office results.

Adobe data released today shows a dramatic increase in the use of AI for travel planning, and that AI advice is driving bookings and sales.