Today's Article

This summer's blockbuster Barbie movie has retailers and brands rushing to 1cash in on the 2nostalgia.

"I'd say the world has turned pink. It's an 3incredibly important 4milestone for the brand."

Retailers are hoping 5cautious 6consumers will 7dip into their 8discretionary spending to buy Barbie themed merch. 

More than 100 eager companies, including Aldo, Gap and Crocs, have signed deals with Mattel, the maker of the 9iconic doll, to create and sell Barbie themed clothing, shoes, accessories and countless other products, including the doll herself.

"I think I had 24 and they were gone within 48 hours."

In New York City, Bloomingdale's flagship store, a pop up shop looking more like Barbie's dream house. 10Meanwhile, Mattel is also hoping the new film will give Barbie sales a 11boost. After sales in the first quarter of this year fell 22% compared to the same quarter last year. 

"We 12anticipate that this is going to be an unlock moment of huge 13monetization potential for the Barbie brand. "

It comes as higher grocery prices have impacted consumer spending. Retailers are hoping the pink craze this summer can 14chase away the Inflation Blues. 

Experts say it gives retailers a creative opportunity to 15lure in 16frugal shoppers into their store and convince them to spend their cash.