Online Toy Superstore Aimed at Parents of Biracial, African
American, Asian and Latino Children Opens
Summit, NJ (BlackNews.com) - DollsLikeMe.com, a new
online superstore featuring dozens of African American, Asian,
Latino and Biracial play dolls, puppets, and multicultural
toys has launched.
Created by Denise Gary-Robinson, the concept evolved after
years of gift-buying frustration at the meager selection of
ethnic dolls and puppets found in local super and toy stores.
"Even in large urban areas where the African American and
Latino populations are often the majority, retailers are reluctant
to stock an adequate selection of dolls and puppets for children
of color," said Gary-Robinson, president of DollsLikeMe.com,
Inc.
Gary-Robinson is not alone in her frustrations. According
to a poll conducted by the multicultural and advertising firm
UB (www.ubtoday.com), for DollsLikeMe.com
parents of children of color regularly scan retail shelves
looking for culturally and ethnically sensitive dolls and
puppets - often coming away empty-handed.
The
poll of 2,230 African American parents, 470 Latino parents,
and 20 Asian parents found that 82% of the African American
parents, 74% of the Latino parents, and 50% of the Asian
parents felt It is important for children of color to
have dolls that look like them. Of those parents, an
overwhelming 94% of the African American parents and
90% of the Latino parents agreed that the selection
of dolls and puppets of color in local super and toy
stores was, as one parent put it, abysmal.
According to the US Census Bureau, currently 31% of
America's children are children of color, or non-white.
That number will increase by 50% by the year 2020. "This
demonstrates the need to provide easy access to quality
dolls and puppets that resemble America's growing multicultural
population," Denise Gary-Robinson stated.
Consumers will find a wide choice of African American,
Asian, Biracial, Latino, and Native American dolls,
puppets, and toys; Biracial and Latino greeting cards;
urban-style American Girl doll clothing; quality doll
furniture; custom multicultural doll quilts (which double
as wall hangers); and self-esteem books for children
of color.
The site also includes educational toys and videos,
including the new Harriet Tubman and Bessie Coleman
doll sets (with biographies) and Henry Box Brown the
new children's video by Karyn Parsons, best known for
her role as Hilary Banks on the long-running NBC sitcom
"The Fresh Prince of Bel Air." There is also a blog
forum and a resource center featuring information on
transracial adoption and building self-esteem in children
of color.
Doll prices range from $11.95 - $90.00, and puppets
start at $12.95. DollsLikeMe.com accepts all major credit
cards, echecks, PayPal, and telephone orders (Monday
- Friday, 9 am - 5 pm EST), and has a special discount
program for schools and non-profit organizations.
For additional information, contact:
Denise Gary-Robinson
Senior Buyer
DollsLikeMe.com
31 Constantine Place, Unit 12
Summit, NJ 07901-1128
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