News Summary: Lego sales soar

GETTING A LEGO UP: Lego's sales soared 25 percent last year thanks in part to its new series of building blocks designed for girls.

BUILDING PRODUCTS: The Lego Star Wars and Lego Ninjago series remained popular, but it was a novel rollout for girls, Lego Friends, that sold better than expected — to the extent that production units were unable to keep pace with demand.

TOO MANY FRILLS? The new line, which includes mini-figures in pink, a dream house with a pool, and a beauty shop, was criticized by some U.S. consumer groups as reinforcing gender stereotypes.