Right on time with this week’s Inauguration Day, Ty Inc has released two new dolls for its Ty Girlz collection, Marvelous Malia and Sweet Sasha; coincidentally enough, our president’s daughters are named Sasha and Malia Obama.
Naturally, Ty Inc has kept mum about the coincidence. According to Wallet Pop, a Ty representative says that the names were chosen because they are "beautiful names" and denies that the dolls are meant to be exact replicas of Sasha and Malia Obama.
All likenesses aside, it’s a smart marketing move to release dolls with the same name as the daughters of the First Family on the week of the presidential inauguration. No doubt these two young ladies will play a big role in youth pop culture as they grow up.
UPDATE: The dolls have been pulled from the market and are now "retired." Watch their value skyrocket!
First Family Plushies
Ty Inc Releases Sasha and Malia Obama Beanie Babies
Trend Themes
1. Political-inspired Dolls - The creation of dolls that are inspired by popular political figures, or that have political names or features that correspond with current events, creating opportunities for limited edition or collector’s items.
2. Marketing Coincidences - Creating products around current events or popular figures to attract consumers and tap into trends.
3. Youth Pop Culture - Capitalizing on youth pop culture by creating products that appeal to younger generations and incorporating current events and popular figures into their marketing strategy.
Industry Implications
1. Toy and Collectibles Industry - Creating limited edition or collector’s items inspired by current events or popular political figures to increase sales and attract collectors.
2. Marketing and Advertising Industry - Developing strategies that incorporate current events and popular figures into products and marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness and reach new audiences.
3. Youth Culture Industry - Creating products that appeal to younger generations by incorporating popular figures and current events into their marketing strategy to increase sales and reach new audiences.