*** ----> ‘Barbie mania’ set to sweep across Bahrain | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

‘Barbie mania’ set to sweep across Bahrain

TDT | Manama                          

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Zahra Ayaz

Barbie dolls have become the newest trend, and stores in Bahrain are flooded with consumers eager to buy them. Since the new Barbie movie teaser was posted, people of all ages have been purchasing Barbie dolls and the pink clothing that has received a lot of traction on social media.

The movie, which had its US premiere on Friday but hasn't yet been released in Bahrain, has garnered a lot of interest and is projected to gross $100 million in the US during its opening weekend. Bahraini retailers are hoping to profit from the trend by offering Barbie-themed dolls, toys, clothing and other items.

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Manama-based Ramath Trading staff Ashraf said that kids aged 10 and 15 years buy Barbie dolls, water bottles, trolley bags, and other products with the Barbie logo. "Since the demand is high, so is the price for all Barbie dolls and pink theme products in most of the stores, not just toy stores but also clothing stores," he added.

"We have seen a lot of children coming into the shop looking for Barbie dolls over the past few days. For events like birthdays, parents also purchase Barbie dolls. I believe social media and cartoons have a big impact on children."

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Ajeeb Stores manager Yunus told The Daily Tribune that he was aware of the popularity of the Barbie movie, particularly on social media. "Children typically don’t actually know what they are choosing; instead, they simply get delighted when they see toys and buy them. I have frequently observed mothers purchasing pink-themed gifts for their daughters. When they see movies like Barbie or cartoons, they get excited to buy them."

Meanwhile, Toys Square also voiced similar views. "We are promoting the pink collection of toys, and especially Barbie dolls, to get more customers," said Jamal Ahmed of the Isa Town-based store. "We are very aware of the film and hope to make more profit during its release date."