In a quarter marred by massive recalls, toy giant Mattel has posted only a slight decrease in revenue, reporting a take of US$236.8 million in Q3 2007, down just US$2.2 million from the same period last year. Global net sales were up 3% to US$1.84 billion, while gross sales were down by 2% in the US and up 10% in international markets.

Mattel Girls & Boys Brands business unit marked a solid 6% gain, bringing in US$1.14 billion. However, worldwide gross sales for the company’s premier Barbie brand fell 4%, and a drop in Polly Pocket sales pushed other girls brands down 10% in the US market. Vehicle-based brands had a better time of it, with the Wheels division (Hot Wheels, Matchbox and Tyco R/C) posting a 9% gain. Entertainment, which includes Radica and Games and Puzzles, had the strongest showing, marking a 29% bump this quarter.

Preschool division Fisher-Price, meanwhile, posted a modest bump of 1% in gross sales, despite the drop in demand for the Fisher-Price Friends lines.