The world’s first Barbie-themed cafe has opened in Taiwan.
The 660sqm Barbie Cafe in Taipei at Zhongxiao Dunhua shopping belt, operated by restaurant group Sinlaku, features tables shaped like high heel shoes, pink sofas, tutu-decorated chairs and other incarnations of the iconic doll. The cafe uses cherry pink color all throughout the interior.
“We picked Taiwan because theme restaurants are very popular and successful here. We are very confident that the Barbie Cafe can promote our brand image,” said senior manager Iggy Yip of Mattel’s consumer products division in Greater China.
“The cafe reflects women’s sweet-natured side and their desire to catch up with the latest trends,” added Yip.
Sinlaku, the same company which opened the world’s first Hello Kitty-themed cafe in 2008, is said to have invested NT$50 million (US$1.69 million) in the Barbie Cafe.
The cafe is aimed at attracting Barbie fans from Hong Kong, China and Japan.
Mattel, a US company which owns the Barbie doll line, also operates retail stores in Taiwan selling garments, furniture and accessories, which some of it will be sold at the cafe.
GB
