World's first Barbie store opens in Argentina

London, Nov 14 : The world's first shop dedicated only to the Barbie doll has opened in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Barbie Store not just sells the 11-inch slender dolls; it sells everything that a young girl needs to become Barbara Millicent Roberts, the famous blonde from the fictional town of Willows, Wisconsin.

Next year, when Barbie turns 50, the format will be replicated in cities around the world, reports the Independent.

The Argentine store boasts 650sqm of Barbie clothes, Barbie jewellery and Barbie accessories, all aimed at young girls with a lot of pester power. There is also a beauty salon, offering everything from manicures to a complete Barbie-makeover. Harried parents can put their feet up at a Barbie cafe, reading tidbits of Barbie history from the walls. At the rear of the store is Casa Barbie, which hosts kids' birthday parties.

Barbie is incredibly popular in the South American country, even featuring in her own Broadway-style musical revue Barbie Live, a sensation on the Buenos Aires stage.

"Every Argentine woman wants to be Barbie," the Independent quoted Ramiro Mayol, the producer of the show, as telling local media.

Tito Loizeau, one of the owners of the store, said: "The Barbie Store is a place where little girls feel big and mothers return to their childhood."

ANI