L.L. Knickerbocker Narrows Losses

L.L. Knickerbocker Co. Inc., Lake Forest marketer of collectibles, jewelry, toys and gifts, said its first-quarter net loss narrowed to $1.4 million, or 3 cents a share, from $2.3 million, or 9 cents a share, for the prior-year period. Sales dropped 24% to $7.2 million. The company attributed the decline primarily to the sale of one of its mail-order collectible doll brands and a decrease in catalog doll sales. Knickerbocker is in the midst of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.