While Anna and Elsa have obtained commendable commercial clout, nobody has come to match the merch-moving power of Barbie. With 2019 marking the 60th anniversary of the fashion doll’s introduction, the Barbie Truck Totally Throwback Tour is honoring the toy’s influence on countless childhoods through stops across the country and a whole bunch of branded merchandise.
Like Disney’s Anna and Elsa, Barbie is receiving a vehicle-inspired tribute. Through Mattel’s Barbie website, fans can see which locations will host the throwback tour, and the dates reveal that aficionados in California will be particularly fortunate. They and the other beholders of the truck will be able to purchase such goods as customized jackets and hats, patches, fanny packs and tote bags, all promotional products industry staples.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Mattel is calling on the truck, which began its trek on Nov. 1, “to unite fans of all ages to reminisce and celebrate the history of the Barbie doll,” a mindset that should certainly help to swell the brand’s already impressive influence.
Check out the Barbie® Truck Totally Throwback Tour featuring retro-inspired merchandise, customized airbrushing, manicures, photo-ops and more! November 1 – 2, 10AM – 10PM.https://t.co/bHpCjC5EiJ pic.twitter.com/EWBbQzI2No
— The Grove LA (@TheGroveLA) November 1, 2019
While the status of the new Barbie movie remains an unsettled topic, Mattel knows that the past can be just as lucrative to market as the present, so we could see the tour eventually morphing into a marriage of the two so as to heighten the scope of the brand. Mattel made headlines earlier this year through the introduction of a gender-neutral doll, so it will be interesting to see how the company continues to consider its outreach to today’s youth overall and whether the new creation will join the tenured doll on the tour in any capacity.
We also wonder which toy or brand might be the next to receive a merchandise truck. Do you have a favorite you’d like to see honored this way?
