Curiocity: Be A Barbie Girl At The New Barbie Shop
Beginning Friday, girls of all ages will be able to shop like a Barbie Girl.
The official Barbie Shop is opening this weekend at the Mall of America -- marking a first in Barbie's 50-year history.
"We believe that Barbie is the brand that connects with girls of all ages," said Susan Brouillette, director of retail development for Mattel.
As part of the 50th anniversary of Barbie, Brouillette said it seemed only fitting that the style icon have her very own store. And beyond the shopping, guests will get a peak at the transformation Barbie has had over the years with a "What a Doll" exhibit -- one that highlights more than 60 Barbie dolls through the generations.
Located on the first floor, west wing, the store itself screams girly and pink. Barbie – and even Ken – are celebrated on the outside walls of the store with lots of new accessories and Barbie dolls awaiting girls and collectors on the inside.
Brouillette said beyond being the style and fashion icon that Barbie is, the other side of the blond beauty they wanted to portray with this store was her many careers and accomplishments.
"She's also the doll that allows girls to play out their dreams and aspirations," Brouillette said. "So she's unique in that way. Girls over the ages have just loved Barbie so it's a place where they can come and really enjoy the brand. We're excited to share a whole new shopping experience with them."
The store features new dolls, such as the Fashionista Barbie and the So In Style Barbie, as well as new apparel, by fashion icons Patricia Field (of "Sex and the City" fame) and Kenneth Cole.
"It's a really unique shopping experience," Brouillette said. "We're thrilled to be here at Mall of America. It brings both our toy and our non-toy goods together for girls of all ages in a really fashionable, playful way."
To celebrate the new store, guests are invited to come and learn "The Barbie" dance – Barbie's very own signature dance and music video – on Saturday. Other events are planned throughout the year, including a holiday Barbie showcase in November.
"We hope that they are able to come to the store and have fun, it should just be a delight," Brouillette said. "And they can come dream their dreams and have fun with Barbie."
Sara Boyd is a web producer and columnist at WCCO.COM.
