Core brands like Barbie and Hot Wheels helped Mattel achieve an overall sales growth of 8%, according to the California-based toy manufacturer’s 2011 first quarter financial results. Quarterly profits, however, fell 33% from US$24.8 million a year ago to US$16.6 million.

Global sales reached US$951.9 million, up from $880.1 million last year, while domestic sales were up 7%.

Within the girls and boys brands business, worldwide sales were US$656.4 million, up 15% versus a year ago. Barbie saw an uptick of 14% and other girl brands were up overall by 38%, driven primarily by the Monster High and Disney Princess doll lines. Worldwide sales for the wheels category, which includes the Hot Wheels, Matchbox and Tyco R/C brands, were up 4%. The 13% sales growth within the entertainment business, which includes Radica and games and puzzles, is largely attributable to the success of the CARS, Green Lantern and Toy Story properties.

The discontinuation of the Sesame Street product line contributed to a 2% sales drop within the company’s Fisher-Price business unit.