Putu and Alit of Bali, Indonesia were outcasts most of their lives. Due to limbs that had not developed normally, their family hid them away from public view. Now, due to a Barbie doll given to them by a relief worker, their lives have changed. The young women now create beautiful hand-made Barbie clothing, first assembled with scraps from their mother's sewing business. read more ...

Mattel, maker of Barbie, Hot Wheels, and other brands, saw its profit shrink by 53% in the first quarter of 2012. Both Barbie and Hot Wheels brands has sales declines of 6% for the quarter. Other toy companies reported mainly flat sales for the historically slow first quarter. read more ...

American Girl, the once online only doll maker, is set to open its 12^th store, the first in Missouri. The store will be located in the Chesterfield Mall in the suburbs of Saint Louis, MO. The store expects to attract customers from a radius of 200 miles of the store and from visitors to the area. Other stores, in Miami and Houston, are expected to open later this year. read more ...

Mattel, manufacture of Barbie dolls and products, has announced a new "I can be...President" Barbie. Dressed in a Pink business suit. The doll will be available in four races, Caucasian, Hispanic, African-American and Asian. It is expected to be available in August 1012.

For the first time in Barbie's 53 years, this Barbie will come with "weighted wedge heels that allow her to stand upright on any flat surface."

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 The "bald" Barbie is coming. Due to a campaign on Facebook that encouraged Mattel to produce a Barbie without hair, they have agreed to produce the doll. The "friend" doll is expected to relate to those who lose their hair due to cancer treatment. Mattel has stated that the dolls will not be sold, but donated to children's hospitals and cancer treatment centers. read more ...

The DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Paracas has designed a unique Barbie themed suite in partnership with Mattel. The suite is fully equipped with Barbie dolls, accessories and games, the hotel said in a press release.

"Through the Barbie Suite we seek to develop a unique environment where girls can live an authentic Barbie experience"

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