Going into 2014 I'm thinking that there is a pretty good chance that the Lego Friends theme looses traction due to competition by its own new princess theme-the question is, how much. Might be worthwhile thinking about whether it's worth stocking away friends sets as they retire (or not). I predict princesses will be huge though. 

I am also thinking that the Princess theme will be huge, but I am not sure how much the Friends theme will lose traction if any.

I agree with Martin - I think the girls market is big enough for both of them.

I would think that if anything, the Princess line will bring in more girls who will then want more sets than just the handful of Disney sets available, thus creating even more interest in the Friends theme.

I would think that if anything, the Princess line will bring in more girls who will then want more sets than just the handful of Disney sets available, thus creating even more interest in the Friends theme.

 

I agree.

Concur with the above. Not concerned at all. Functionally the series provide different things as well. There probably won't be a Disney Princesses vet clinic set for example. This is only good news in my book.

I think it will steal the shoe but I also think it will bring in new female Lego fans who will also love Friends.

Steal the show? Nope. Attract a bigger audience to the show? Yep.

I hate when people steal my shoes/slippers!

If someone steals your shoes and you never see the person again, consider it money (item) well spent.

The princesses line looks very promising, particularly to my young impressionable cousins and their families (with money to spend on Lego). 

I hate when people steal my shoes/slippers!

Cinderella stole the shoe

Cinderella stole the shoe

I thought the prince did.

I don't think it will steal the show... but I would highly advise buying disney sets to flip next Christmas

Princesses become a big thing when girls are about 4 years old.  However, when they are in 2nd grade, the theme starts to get "uncool".  My daughter is a girly girl and stuck it out longer than others, but she is not interested in the Disney princesses theme at the ripe old age of 8.  So she will definitely stick to Friends.  I was disappointed that Lego chose the Disney princess theme, as it would not appeal to older girls.  I hope they can find second theme for older girls.  On the other hand, with the Jungle theme coming out for Friends, maybe their ideas all get funneled into Friends.

I would think that if anything, the Princess line will bring in more girls who will then want more sets than just the handful of Disney sets available, thus creating even more interest in the Friends theme.

Agreed. I also can see more women AFOLs due to the immense popularity of The Mouse!