MINEOLA, N.Y. -- Coleco Industries, Inc., manufacturer of the Cabbage Patch Kid dolls that have sparked enormous demand during the Christmas shopping season, was charged Tuesday with false advertising.
Nassau County Consumer Affairs Commissioner James E. Picken said Coleco advertises the dolls, but when shoppers visit stores, either none or very small numbers of the dolls are in stock.
Under Nassau County consumer laws, offering goods without intent to supply expected demand is a deceptive trade practice carrying a penalty of up to $500, Picken said.
The dolls have been in heavy demand since the Christmas shopping season began. Long lines have formed before stores opened nationwide and near riots have erupted in some places among shoppers battling for the dolls.
'What we want Coleco to do is stop the advertising until they can meet the demand,' the commissioner said.
'They're harassing small children. Just imagine those thousands of consumers who lined up in the rain last week, could not buy the dolls, and went home to be greeted by the kids watching the TV commercial. How do you explain this to a small child? It's unconscionable,' Picken said.
Coleco must respond at a formal hearing on the violation to be held in about two weeks at the department's office in Mineola, the commissioner said.
The 15 inch high dolls come with a birth certificate and adoption papers, disposable diapers and individualized facial features shaped by computer. The wholesale price for the dolls is $18.50 and they regularly sell for $21.99.
A Coleco spokesman was not immediately available to comment on the charge but on Monday a company spokeswoman said the firm was trying to fulfill demand and had 'significantly' stepped up production.