July 27, 2023

From an upcoming Ultimate Barbie Party to pink-themed boutique wear and baked goods, the recently released “Barbie” movie is giving Sioux Falls businesses plenty of co-promotion opportunities.

Ultimate Barbie Party

As Barbie herself says in the new film: “I don’t have anything big planned. Just a giant blowout party with all the Barbies, planned choreography and a bespoke song. You should stop by.”

The Social, a performance and event venue at 301 S. Thompson Ave., is making it happen in Sioux Falls. Its Ultimate Barbie Party on Aug. 12 will be complete with Barbie rooms, Barbie photo options, Barbie bingo and trivia, and a “Malibu With Barbie” theme. 

PropMyParty will host a photo frenzy for this Barbie event — Barbie and Ken impersonations/costumes are encouraged. It is an 18-and-older event with two different experiences available. 

The Ultimate VIP Experience: $75

• Early entry at 6 p.m. for 15-plus themed photo opportunities
• Swag bag
• Appetizers
• Prosecco bar

General admission: $45

• 15-plus themed photo opportunities
• Dessert bar
• Candy station
• Bubbly bar — for purchase
• Dance party — $15

There will be iconic Barbie games and selfies in scenes/rooms, including Barbie Closet, Barbie Car, Barbie Beach, Barbie and Ken Wedding, and Barbie Doll Photo Box.

“It’s time to bring out the tulle, sequins and sky-high heels! Don’t forget your accessories – tiaras, sunglasses, and anything PINK!” The Social posted on  its Facebook page. 

Lynette Hofer, owner of The Social, found inspiration for the event from a friend’s 80-year-old mom, who noticed the hype for the new Barbie movie. 

Hofer said she went to the movie to prepare for the event and noticed people dressed in all pink.

“They were dressed up for Barbie and even happy to sit in the dark in their pink outfits,” Hofer said, adding she wanted to provide an event for people to show off their inner Barbie and Ken. 

“This event is an opportunity to go back and relive your childhood dreams,” she said. “Everyone always has ideas of who they thought they would become, and Barbie gave us inspiration for that growing up.” 

Seeing pink

Mayor Paul TenHaken led off a string of area social media posts, receiving nearly 700 likes on his Instagram post for his pink tie and caption, “Rocked that #Barbie tie today.” 

His former firm, Click Rain Inc., celebrated the movie’s release with its own photo shoot in a Barbie box.

“We decided to play Barbie ourselves — but in real life. Catch a glimpse of Marketing Barbie, CEO Barbie and our other hardworking figurines,” the company’s Instagram post said. 

Sister company Lemonly, which specializes in infographics, created an illustrated history of Barbie and a graphic designer Barbie infographic. See the history of Barbie infographic here. 

“Barbie is an icon, obviously. All the signs were pointing to the Barbie movie being a huge moment in pop culture, so it’s something that a lot of us at Lemonly were excited about,” said Nick Lorang, senior marketing and communication manager. “For a toy that debuted in 1959 and has built such an empire, there’s a lot people don’t know about Barbie’s history and evolution over the last 60 years.”

“Researching and writing about the history of Barbie helped me understand why there’s so much excitement around the new movie,” said Ella Olsen, associate content writer at Lemonly. “With her hundreds of careers and unapologetic femininity, it’s impossible to deny the fact that she’s helped so many children — and little girls especially — realize they can be anything they want to be.”

“It was interesting to learn about Barbie’s transformation through the decades,” added Dafne Sagastume, senior visual designer at Lemonly.

“I had a lot of fun collecting image references for the design inspiration, and I referenced various Barbie dolls to help capture the looks and style of a particular time.”

The Scheels store in Sioux Falls created a social media post with five Barbie outfit looks, including ’90s Barbie, Malibu Barbie, Ken Doll, Corporate Barbie and Workout Barbie. 

Even a pink Corvette needs to be washed. Silverstar Car Wash posted a photo of Barbie and Ken dolls in their pink Barbie car headed to the car wash to shine it up. 

Mason Jar Boutique drew on the recent popularity of pink fashion, listing anything pink for 25 percent off as a Crazy Days promotion.

Themed treats

Local food and beverage businesses also have whipped up Barbie-themed treats lately.

Stensland Family Farms mixed “Dubble Bubble” Barbie ice cream shakes, complete with flowers and pink sprinkles. 

They’re still being offered while supplies last.

SoDak Soda, a gourmet soda bar, announced Barbie and Ken-inspired waters. 

Barbie water flavors: peach, raspberry, strawberry puree and fresh lemon. 

Ken water flavors: coconut, blue curacao and fresh lime. 

Oh My Cupcakes is offering pink Barbie parfaits, pink donut cupcakes and suggestions for Barbie cupcake matches.

“Everyone was so excited about the pink this weekend. We did three one-of-a-kind Barbie-inspired cakes, and they all sold over the weekend,” said Melissa Johnson, founder of the bakery. “Now, someone has reached out asking if we can make a similar one this week for her daughter’s birthday.” 

Toy time

But is the movie actually leading to more sales for Mattel’s biggest brand? Child’s Play Toys in downtown Sioux Falls has put plenty of pink in its store window, and shoppers are gravitating toward the Barbie section.

“They’re always popular, but it’s on their radar a little bit more, especially little ones who haven’t gotten into Barbie yet, and a lot of it is older girls who used to play with Barbies and are now in their teens and 20s,” general manager Christy Larson said. “It’s interesting — you’ll see an older crowd and I find a lot of looking, and a lot of it is what’s new from when I had Barbies.”

The store has a relatively small Barbie section but still offers everything from the Dream House down to a Hot Wheels version of Barbie’s 1956 Corvette.

“It’s definitely drawing people’s attention. They notice the window for sure,” Larson said, adding she also has seen plenty of Barbie pink on shoppers this week.

“That bright pink fuchsia is everywhere. It’s OK for adults to like Barbies now. It’s not just OK, it’s cool,” she said. “Margot Robbie can do it. We all can do it.”