Barbie turned fifty and is  losing market share.  Doesn’t that happen even to the best of us?  Except in her case, a team of experts spent two days in some hip LA hotel where they examined her past, reviewed where and how the decline happened and then designed a course for her reintroduction. Basically a facelift if you will. They decided she would have six personalities: wild, artsy, cutesy, glamourous, sassy and girlie. And all at fifty!!

Now I am a fifty-one year old marketing consultant in Indianapolis and trying to reinvent myself. Perhaps I could get some friends to go on a two day retreat and think about the next stage in my life. If anyone is interested let me know.

Just when you thought you had heard enough bad economic news we get hit with another indication we are in big trouble. The Wallstreet Journal today (April 22) tells us that domestic Barbie sales declined as foreign sales increased.  Poor Barbie is fighting for her reputation once again, and it is not because she was out too late with Ken.  Some hip hop-doll who is named Bratz of all things in stealing market share from Barbie.  I checked out Bratz’s website and Barbie’s. I must admit, Bratz had a better site. I feel so bad for Barbie. Will Barbie be able to keep up? Are they messing too much with her brand? What is to become of our old friend?