It's a Barbie World

I entered the Virtual Barbie world at 12:00pm on Friday, August 21, 2009. I stayed for about fifteen minutes and explored a bit. My initial reaction was irritation at the incessant music and overwhelming pink butterfly mess that was that background for the entire experience. After I got over that, I decided to go shopping.

I noticed that of the many activities my Barbie Girl could do, the majority of them centered around the mall and spending money. I chose to enter “Dazzling Designs”. I was dazzled!

Upon entering “Dazzling Designs” I was surprised. I thought I would be going shopping, but actually I was given the opportunity to run my own boutique. The advice given to me for running my boutique was to read the fashion magazines to learn of the newest trends. I would get a screen picture of the cover of a magazine with citations like “look hot in black!”, or “new boots for fall!”. With that I could move on to the next step of the game. I went to the buyer’s store and got to look at the different shoes, skirts, and like items. Once I was done putting together my collection for my boutique I purchased the items and then opened my store for business.

At first, I noticed I really wasn’t making a lot of sales. The shoppers would look at the clothes I had for sale in my store and make comments like “Ouch! Too expensive.” or “I’m looking for something a little different.” I realized I would have to change my business plan when I wasn’t making enough money to pay for the items I bought to sell. After I would finish making sales, the Barbie World would give me tips; one of which was to remember to read about the trends. Ah! The light bulb went off. I started over and made sure to design my line according to what I saw on the cover of the fashion magazine.

Once I began listening to the trends, I began to sell more and more clothes! I was really surprised to see that there was an actual strategy to the game. I liked it and disliked it for a few reasons. I thought it was great that the Barbie world was promoting that young women start a business rather than simply exercise spending money without any concept of income. I liked that there was some real thinking involved with how to earn your money. These are all influences that I think young women need more of.

Conversely, I wish there were stores that were dedicated to things other than clothing and items for the home. Lots of young women play sports, why not have a sporting good store? While it’s great that the Barbie Virtual World promotes entrepreneurship, I think they should expand the boundaries even more. Also, I wish that to turn a profit in the shopping game that you did not have to abide by what the magazines told you were the trends. I feel like the game should promote individuality, rather than trend following.