Bissell Blurs Work And Plan With Barbie
Staff -- TWICE, 8/19/2002
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. — Bissell Homecare has inked a licensing agreement allowing it to use the Barbie doll name and likeness on a new version of its hot-selling GoVac rechargeable vacuum.
Called the Barbie Real Vacuum, the lightweight and functional unit will be sold in the floor care aisle, bridging the gap between housewares and toys. The product is recommended for children six years of age and older.
"Consumer feedback on the GoVac gave us the idea for this product," said Jim Krzeminski, Bissell's executive VP of sales and marketing. "Parents tell us that their kids fight over the machine. In fact, many parents have thanked us for offering the GoVac in three colors so each child can have his or her own."
The Barbie Real Vacuum will be available in the fourth quarter, in time for holiday gift giving, with a suggested retail price of $39.99.
