| There is no question, argument, or debate over the | | | | This line of Barbie,s is a miniature collection of dolls and |
| fact that the Mattel Barbie doll is the most popular doll | | | | accessories that are 6" in height. |
| of all-time. Barbie has been a favorite of little girls for | | | | Bratz has followed suit with a line called Bratz Forever |
| nearly 50 years now and a constant top selling toy in | | | | Diamondz. At a price of $29.95 it is the most |
| retail stores everywhere. With that said, there seems | | | | expensive Bratz dolls yet. The success this new |
| to be another doll favorite in stores these days called | | | | collection is enjoying is very impressive. A new video |
| the Bratz dolls. | | | | game called Bratz Forever Diamondz is now on the |
| The Bratz dolls have recently given Barbie some tough | | | | market for Sony Playstation as well as Ninentendo. |
| competition in the doll industry. Introduced in 2001, some | | | | The company hopes this new video game will follow |
| of the many Bratz line of dolls include Bratz Babyz, | | | | the success of the Rock Angelz game. Even more |
| Bratz Step Out, Bratz Rock Angelz, and many others | | | | than this, there is talk of a full length animated motion |
| as well. You can go inside any toy section of your | | | | picture in the works for release in 2007. |
| favorite retailer and find a wide selection of these | | | | At no other time in Barbie's history has the competition |
| popular new dolls. Also included is a whole line of Lil | | | | been this fierce. Will Barbie survive? Only time will tell, |
| Bratz which are designed for girls under 6 years of | | | | but I wouldn't bet against her just yet. It would be hard |
| age. | | | | to imagine life without Barbie. With nearly 50 years |
| Another factor in this doll rivalry is the fact that the | | | | under her belt she has seen just about everything. |
| Bratz dolls have fashions and accessories that include | | | | Does anybody see the similarities between this years |
| every ethnic group, whereas up until the last couple of | | | | Barbie range and last years Barbie range? Is it just a |
| years, Barbie had not. Could it have been the | | | | coincidence that Princess Anneliesse from last year is |
| competition from Bratz that forced Barbie into this | | | | now Princess Annika, Pauper Erika is now Cloud |
| change? With Bratz closing the gap in sales, Barbie | | | | Queen Rayla and King Dominic/Julian is now Prince |
| needed to come up with some fresh ideas. It should | | | | Aidan. They also look pretty similar too! This is not to |
| also be noted that Bratz dolls are also available in male | | | | say that the new range is not fantastic because it is |
| models as well. | | | | but maybe this explains the sudden interest in |
| Over the past few holiday seasons we have seen the | | | | something new for children such as the new Bratz |
| Princess Barbie and the Pauper Anneliesse become | | | | dolls which are exciting and different and not scared |
| very popular and very good sellers. We are also | | | | of causing controversy. |
| seeing Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus. Included in | | | | Maybe our children need toys that reflect the times |
| the selection is Pegasus Annika, Cloud Queen Rayla, | | | | and do not send us back to our past. Barbie maybe |
| Prince Aidan, and Flying Horse Brietta. | | | | correct in trying to try a few different styles in order to |
| The newest line of Barbie's is the Barbie Mini Kingdom. | | | | compete with Bratz but diversification may be in order. |