Mattel-owned fashion doll brand has opened its first flagship store in the Philippines.

Licensing agent Richwell Philippines Inc says the opening, at Shangri-la Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong City, is in response to the demand from a growing Barbie fan base.

Richwell COO Maye Yao Co Say said: “Anyone who enters the store is transformed from mere shopper or spectator to an active participant. It’s every young girl’s dream come true.”

The flagship store differs from the existing eight Barbie stores in Metro Manila and Subic because it offers more services. It has a beauty salon which offers Barbie make-overs such as manicures and pedicures, and a photo studio which allows younger girls to experience ‘glamorous’ photo shoots.

It also has a “pay for play area” which allows girls to play with their Barbie dolls.

The flagship opening makes the Philippines the seventh country to have the Barbie flagship store after Malaysia, Indonesia, Peru, Mexico, Argentina and Uruguay.