Shanghai Barbie House

As the financial crisis continues to take it’s toll, there appears to be certain markets that are completely insulated, but only at the very top-end of the luxury real estate markets - such as Barbie Doll Houses.

Mattel has just spent $30 million opening a “House of Barbie,” in Shanghai. The House of Barbie is the first Barbie flagship store and two new dolls, “Shanghai Barbie,” and her closest friend, “Cute Asian-looking Barbie friend no.233,” were created for the launch. 

The enormous 3,400 square meter store is at 550 Huai Hai Lu, one of Shanghai’s premier shopping areas. “We believe in Girls’ dreams,” is their current tagline, although I have a feeling that might have to go after more careful consideration. One has to assume that this store has been in the works for some time, and presumably pre-credit crunch.

We believe in Girls' Dreams

Photo credit 1
Photo Credit 2

When I first became aware of this store, I did wonder at the sense of 3,400 msq2 devoted entirely to Barbie dolls, but it turns out to be slightly more sophisticated than that. Whilst promoting the idea that what every girls’ dreams should be all about is - shopping, the store offers other facilities also, such as a the ability to be a fashion designer for the day and “create your own Barbie styles;” as well as a runway show from world-renowned designers; a full service spa and an opportunity to have your photo taken with Barbie. Not forgetting the shopping. Whether this idea will weather the current financial climate remains to be seen, but for any of you who might be interested in these things, here are a few photos of Shanghai Barbie and her friend. In fact Shanghai Barbie has an entire website about her. Sweet dreams…….

Shanghai Barbie

Shanghai Barbie's friend

SIMA08, the biggest real estate exhibition in the world, kicks off next week, April 8-12th in Madrid, Spain. Top of the discussion list will probably be the disastrous state of the Spanish real estate industry, but this year’s exhibition will be split into several sections in an enormous exhibition area.

This year includes:
 
SIMATUR, International Tourism Real Estate Fair. The leading fair for residential tourism.
INTERNATIONAL Pavilion, an entrance to investment markets worldwide.
SIMACITIES, promotion, management and planning of cities.
SIMAFUTURA, technology, design and equipment for sustainable construction

Last year’s exhibition attracted almost 160,000 visitors and featured more than 800 exhibitors, providing an opportunity for real estate professionals to meet with developers, investors, public administrators and financial institutions. Several prizes are on offer, including “Asprima,” which publicly recognizes projects or activities in the real estate sector that the jury identify as a milestone in their field, either due to their quality, or because they offer innovations that can become a reference of future actions.

Spaces are still available, and for those of you still suffering from the winter blues, you can take it from me that Madrid is beautiful this time of year. 73 degrees and fair, according to weather.com

Brochure or invitations SIMA08

Photo Credit