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BARBIE CELEBRATES 62nd BIRTHDAY

PRESS RELEASE

Iconic, multi-talented Barbie – the ultimate aspirational toy – is turning  62 while her partner, Ken is celebrating his own milestone at 60.

Join Toys R Us South Africa will be doing their bit to celebrate with various special offers and competitions for Barbie enthusiasts countrywide during the month of March.

Avid Cape Town collector, Justius Peterse, also known as the “King of Barbie”, who boasts an impressive collection of more than 2000 dolls, said he was thrilled to celebrate yet another year, watching the brand continue to evolve and inspire little girls around the world. He said he was particularly impressed with how inclusive and diverse and representative the dolls had become.

With a dedicated room in Peterse’s Table View home, fully kitted with floor-to-ceiling shelving to house his Barbies, he says he will continue to grow his collection, adding that his dolls are currently worth approximately R1.8-million.

 

I started the collection 12 years ago, a year before my daughter Gemma was born and it now includes Barbie imports and special editions and it just continues to grow as I try to source them both locally and internationally. I am hooked.”

 

Included in his collection is the Kebaya Barbie from Dolls of the World. Only 500 dolls of this kind were manufactured during the 1990’s.

He maintains that his all-time favorite is from the Bob Macki range Madame Du Barbie.  “This historic and iconic and French inspired doll inspired by Marie Antionette, oozes exceptional and intricate detail by designer Bob Mackie,” he explains.

Peterse belongs to a social group of Barbie enthusiasts in South Africa who plan to celebrate the special occasion in style.

Bloemfontein Barbie collector, Elzette Barnard will be celebrating the special occasion by adding the new Signature Silkstone Barbie to her collection of a whopping 4300 dolls.

“Barbie’s birthday is special to me as it is a celebration of a life-time of memories and love for the brand. Ken obviously also plays a huge role in my collection, and I’m just as excited about his 60th birthday! In fact, I’ve already added all three of the 60th Anniversary Throwback dolls! I know that Barbie will be with us for many years to come, and that she’ll be celebrated as both an icon and pioneer to collectors from all ages. Happy birthday Barbie.” 

 

Peterse and Barnard will be joining Toys R Us SA and many more passionate Barbie fans throughout the country to celebrate.

“There is so much excitement in-store and online as we celebrate yet another year of Barbie magic. Toys help in shaping the minds of children and the creators of Barbie believed that this was the best way to send a message across all young children that they can be anything they want to be! We are so excited to be part of this amazing journey,” says Catherine Jacoby, marketing manager Toys R Us & Babies R Us SA.

To commemorate the special occasion, Toys R Us South Africa is offering Barbie fans across the country an opportunity to win a bumper Barbie hamper valued at R8000 as well as well as the sought-after Barbie Malibu House.

In addition, Toys R Us customers can win weekly Barbie hampers valued at R2000 each week by visiting the brands Facebook page: @ToysRUsSouthAfrica.