The growing demand for American Girl and Monster High brands contributed to an overall 7% sales uptick at Mattel during the first quarter of this year. The world’s largest toymaker pulled in US$995.6 million in revenue, up from US$928.4 million one year ago.

The company`s profit came in at US$38.5 million, up from US$7.8 million last year. On a regional basis, first quarter gross sales increased 5% in the North American Region, which consists of the US, Canada and American Girl. Globally, gross sales increased 9%.

The numbers are buoyed by particular strength in the company`s Girls portfolio, as global sales for Other Girls Brands were up 56%, driven mainly by the continued success of the Monster High brand. And sales for American Girl Brands rose 32% to US$100.5 million. This was driven primarily by increases in all core doll segments and strong performance at retail, including the three new stores opened in 2012.

Overall quarterly sales for Mattel Girls & Boys Brands were US$692.2 million, an 11% rise over last year. Worldwide sales for the Barbie brand, however, were down 2%. The same dip was experienced in the Wheels category, which includes the Hot Wheels, Matchbox and Tyco R/C brands.

Also seeing a drop in sales was Fisher-Price, which includes the Fisher-Price Core, Fisher-Price Friends and Power Wheels brands, with a decline of 7% to US$287.3 million.