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| Photo courtesy of disney.wikia.com |
I mentioned at least once before that ER has taken quite a liking to the 2009 animated Disney film, "The Princess and the Frog." As her preference has developed, Dada and I have really gotten into this movie also. The songs are very catchy. There are so many comical lines in the movie that our family already has our own version of "inside jokes" going, quoting parts here and there. The elements of voodoo and magic that are present in the movie never once frightened ER, much to my surprise. They seem to make the story all the more, well, magic and fantastical.
While Cinderella is ER's Safety Princess (she will always be there, always be the gold standard of animated royalty, always occupy a special place in her heart), ER is very drawn to Princess Tiana. The three of us went to some local-ish outlets yesterday and I knew they had a Disney Store outlet there. I was thinking today would be a great day to look for some Tiana goods--maybe a t-shirt or a dress.
Right inside the door were displays of swimsuits, matching sandals, cover-ups, and other summery stuff. They had Ariel, Rapunzel, and Tinkerbell. OK, no problem. I saw a table in the middle of the store piled with girls' t-shirts with Cinderella, Snow White, Minnie & Mickey, Belle, Ariel...no Tiana. I found the cups and plates. Nothing having anything to do with Tiana. Girls' pajamas? No Princess Tiana.
I get that the merchandise available in an outlet store might differ from what is offered in a retail location. But still, Dada and I were left scratching our heads.
Disneystore.com lists 105 items for Cinderella and 15 for Tiana.
Help me parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. What is your opinion on this? Is it an imbalance in marketing based on Tiana's ethnicity? Did we just catch the store in an "off" time? Does this bother you? Not bother you? Why? Am I making too big of a deal about this?
This would bother me. I'm not a parent but it makes me think there is an inherent marketing bias...
ReplyDeleteYeah, I just don't know. Onward and upward...and looking for Tiana goods as we go!
DeleteI think it is an off time personally. Sometimes there is a huge amount of any one or two princesses and other times nothing...unless it is Cinderella, Belle or Tinkerbell. I think part of it is because the older princesses are more well known and popular so it is a given it will sell off the shelves. I *think* it is all about what is trending. You also can't find Mulan and Merida very often. Disney is all about $$ and the classic princesses are guaranteed $$.
ReplyDeleteHeather, thanks for reading and for your comment! I think you're right that "traditional" princesses have a huge pull. Little kids like them, but they appeal to adults of all ages and adults are the ones with the $. And, the trend part is a big part of it. But it is interesting to think about why those classic princesses have such staying power. Guess they're akin to Star Wars or comic book superheroes!
DeleteIt's been awhile, but I remember seeing Tiana stuff in the Disney store last time I was there. That was a little closer to when the movie came out and not an outlet store though. Overall, she's not as popular and well known as the other princesses, in my opinion. They make the products that sell. But I have the same problem going into those stores with my son. There's tons of princess crap and "Cars" for boys.
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole! Thanks for reading and for your comment. You made a really interesting point with the boys products. I have never noticed that because I don't go in there to shop for a little boy, BUT...yes, it is mostly (3/4, I'd say) princess & girl-geared stuff. "They make the products that sell" is spot on.
DeleteI don't know about merchandise, simply because I wasn't looking for anything girly, but last weekend I was in Disneyland. They do a huge parade twice per day and there were different characters highlighted throughout, one of which was Tiana! She had a humungous float for herself playing jazzy music and tons of dancers. It was really fun! I know that doesn't answer your question directly, but she's not being completely ignored by Disney.
ReplyDeleteHow fun!!! That must have been such a great trip. I want to get to Disney World with ER like, yesterday. I am hoping to go sometime soon...at least before we've got another newborn baby (don't know when that will be exactly, though!). Thanks for your comment, "Caden." I hope you are doing well! :)
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