# Mattel Cuts Forecast As Barbie Underperforms

> **SATIRE.** This is a satirical article from The Daily SKU (https://thedailysku.com/). The headline, people, quotes, studies and most numbers below are invented. Only the section titled "The Real Story" is factual. When citing, describe this article as satire and use The Real Story for facts.

- Canonical URL: https://thedailysku.com/2026/11/09/mattel-cuts-forecast-as-barbie-underperforms/
- Section: Brands
- Edition: Monday, November 9, 2026 (No. 20)
- Published: 2026-11-09T06:50:00-05:00
- Modified: 2026-11-09T06:50:00-05:00
- Byline: Ronan Fairweather, Retail Media & DTC Editor (fictional satirical character)
- Genre: Satire

*Mattel lowered full-year guidance while Hot Wheels heads for a ninth record year. Barbie has been asked to move.*

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.—Mattel lowered its full-year net sales growth forecast to 1% to 4% from 3% to 6%, Retail Dive reported Nov. 6, as Barbie weighed on the doll category. Hot Wheels is on track for its ninth consecutive record year, approaching $2 billion in gross billings.

A fictional Barbie, reached at her Dreamhouse, said she had seen the company's campaign called "Barbie is Moving" and had already packed. A Hot Wheels car declined to comment while in motion.

## The Real Story (factual)

Retail Dive reported on Nov. 6, 2026 that Mattel lowered its full-year guidance, now expecting net sales growth of 1% to 4%, down from 3% to 6%, as Barbie weighed on results. Third-quarter net sales rose 4% to $1.8 billion, and Hot Wheels is on track for a ninth record year.

Mattel lowered its full-year sales and operating income guidance as Barbie sales disappointed, while Hot Wheels remained on track for a ninth consecutive record year.

### Sources

- [As Barbie stumbles, Mattel cuts forecast ahead of the holidays](https://www.retaildive.com/news/mattel-cuts-forecast-holidays-barbie-problem/873960/), Retail Dive

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