Mattel ramps up effort behind Thomas & ..

Retail • Coming off drop in profits, toy company banking on train show being a hit.

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El Segundo, Calif. • Toy company Mattel is ramping up its efforts to bring Thomas & Friends products to consumers, rolling out a new direct-to-consumer catalog and website.

Mattel Inc. said Monday it also is teaming with 20 independent specialty retail stores to sell the Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway goods. Toys R Us will serve as the exclusive national chain.

U.S. shoppers will be able to purchase limited edition toys through the catalog, website or at an official specialty retailer. One limited edition product is Logan, a small locomotive called a shunter that moves cars around at a coal plant. The Logan wooden engine will be available from July through Dec. 31, 2015.

The website, ThomasWoodenRailway.com, is set to launch next month.

Last week Mattel reported that its second-quarter profit dropped, stung by soft Barbie sales and costs tied to its Mega Brands acquisition.

The El Segundo company's stock fell 58 cents, or 1.6 percent, to $35.62 in morning trading.

Mattel ramps up effort behind Thomas & Friends