Growing up, I loved playing with Matchbox cars. The problem
was, I didn't have any. But my brother did; he had lots of them. I
loved how the tiny doors could open and close on some models.
Would I have played with Matchbox cars made just for girls?
Hmm. I think part of the appeal was the gender-neutral qualities
of the cars, because they were, well, cars. And cars were for
everyone. Right?
Wrong, if you're Mattel and you're betting that the new Polly Wheels cars - each comes with its own tiny Polly Pocket
driver - will be a big hit with the girls. Designed with the
girly-girl in mind, they'll come in sparkly pinks and purples and soon
will even be (gag) scented to coordinate with the colors. Even
worse, there are plans for a Race to the Mall game which is said to
combine the race-track appeal of Hot Wheels with, well, the mall.
What do you think: does Mattel have a winner on their hands? Would you buy this for your daughter?
