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Unlocking Barbie's Success | A Marketing Strategy Spanning Generations

Written by Katie Lamontagne | Jun 21, 2023

 

A Sneak Peek Inside the (Toy) Box:

  • Every generation has differing perceptions and preferences when it comes to advertisements. Being aware of your target audience can set you apart from competitors, and increase your desired impact.
  • Nostalgia marketing is especially effective with older generations, and a powerful driver to purchasing.
  • Barbie has expanded their offerings in their dolls to be more inclusive, including dolls with varied body types, and to represent individuals with disabilities, as of 2016 and 2023 respectively.
  • In 2016: Barbie “Sheroes” line included women that have made major impacts on the opportunities for other women, and are viewed as role-models to younger girls.
  • In 2018: “#MoreRoleModels” was rolled out, and included other female role models for young women that have made significant impact on the world at large.
  • 2022: Pink Paint was impossible to find. There was a pink paint shortage after the new "Barbie" film used so much of it to make the dreamy movie sets a reality. 
  • Recent Barbie Sales: In 2022, Barbie generated $1.5 in gross sales, from dolls to pretty pink accessories. Barbie is well-stocked and still sought after, decades after the brand debut. (Source: Statista, 2023)