Groovy Girls
Groovy Girls are a line of fashion dolls manufactured by the American toy company Manhattan Toy and launched in 1998. The brand consists of plush, 13-inch dolls, fashion and furniture accessories, as well as pets.[1] Groovy Girls generally cost $10 to $20 per doll[2] and target the 6-to-12 age range, with licensed products including room décor, apparel, interactive and electronics, stationery, health and beauty aids.[3]
History
Groovy Girls launched as a "funky"[4][5] alternative to Barbie.[4] Each doll has different skin tones, hair types and facial features, reflecting the ethnic landscape of America.[6] The brand's lifestyle aspects are fashion, friendship and self-expression,[3] and represents a wholesome alternative to dolls such as Bratz, Flavas, My Scene, and Barbies.[7] Groovy Girls were initially sold in specialty toy stores such as Zany Brainy, Noodle Kidoodle, and Store of Knowledge.[6] Beginning in early 2005, the dolls were launched in Target stores.[6][8]
As of 2005, more than eight million Groovy Girls dolls were sold since its inception,[9] totaling more than $100 million in retail sales.[3] GroovyGirls.com, which launched in the fall of 2004, had approximately 145,000 registered users by early 2005,[9] and more than 1.7 million registered users by July 2007.[10] The Groovy Girls RSVP collection was introduced during the 2008 holiday season.[4] RSVP stands for Respect, Self-Expression, Values and Play.[4]
List of Groovy Girls
Here is a list of basic Groovy Girls by their year of release.
Some characters share names. Not counting the updated looks of the Main 6, there have been 2 dolls named "Trini," 2 dolls named "Vanessa," 2 dolls named "Carissa," and 3 dolls named "Marissa."
1998
- Lexi
- Liza
- Lupe
- Lucy
1999
- Michaela
- Max (male)
- Zane (male)
- Ziggy (male)
- Zarah
- Zoe
2000
- Gabi
- Gwenn (not to be confused with Gwen of the Main 6)
- Jacinda
- Jada
- Josie
- Janisse
- Jordan
- Jayna
- Jackson (male)
- Jarrett (male)
2001
- Sarita
- Solana
- Sesilia
- Siri
- Shika
- Sidra
- Samuel (male)
- Sean (male)
- Kinzey
- Karly
- Kayla
- Kami
- Kendra
- Kelsey
2002
- Talli
- Tomiko
- Trini
- Vanessa (light skinned)
- Verity
- Victoria
- Kalvin (male)
- Kyle (male)
2003
- Carissa
- Cicely
- Celeste
- Bindi
- Brenna
- Britta
- Darci
- Danika
- Daphne
- Brandon (male)
- Blake (male)
2004
- Ailene
- Angelique
- Ayanna
- Hope
Main 6:
- Gwen
- Reese
- Oki
- O'Ryan
- Vanessa (dark skinned)
- Yvette
2005
- Kassi
- Kylee
- Kenna
- Larissa
- Leticia
- Lourdes
- Kieran (male)
2006
- Ellie Mae (cowgirl)
- Roxanna (rock star)
Main 6 Updated:
- Gwen (2nd in a series)
- Reese (2nd in a series)
- Oki (2nd in a series)
- O'Ryan (2nd in a series)
- Vanessa (2nd in a series, dark skinned)
- Yvette (2nd in a series)
2007
- Rayannah
- Raelyn
- Roxette
- Raina (punk)
- Ruby Mae
- Petula
- Pilar
- Phoebe
2008
- Zadie
- Zanita
- Zelma
- Fenia
- Fleur
- Franci
2009
- Corbin
- Chelsi
- Camilla
- Connor (male)
- Cadence
2010
- Tegan
- Tamae
- Thora
- Tessa
- Tamsen
2011
- Izzie
- Isadora
- Iku
- Irina
- Inga
- Inez
- Nadia
- Nina
- Nora
2012
- Amelia
- Gabriella
- Katrina
- Seanna
- Sage
- Suki
2013
- Marissa
- Myla
- Maren
2014
- Brooklyn
- Bayani
- Breanna
- Bailey
- Skylar
- Fuchsia
- Lilia
2015
- Renee
- Robyn
- Rachel
- Reagan
2016
- Lola
- Lily
- Layla
- Logan
Poseable
These had wires in their arms and legs that made them able to strike different poses. They were released from 2006-2008.
- Andie (2007)
- Aleika (Breakdancer, 2007)
- Analise (Yoga, 2007)
- Adrianna (Salsa, 2007)
- Ayumi (Roller Skating, 2007)
- Anya (Ballerina, 2007)
- Trini (also released as a non-poseable, 2006)
- Taryn (also released as a non-poseable, 2006)
- Trissa (also released as a non-poseable, 2006)
- Shayla (also released as a non-poseable, 2006)
- Savanna (also released as a non-poseable, 2006)
- Brylee (Karate, 2008)
- Brandice (2008)
- Bella-Mae (Cowgirl, 2008)
- Selia (also released as a non-poseable, 2006)
- Bastian (male, 2008)
- Dylan (male, 2006)
Holiday Exclusives
Christmas
- Anastasia Sparkle (2008)
- Cali Candy Cane (2011)
- Chrissy Christmas (2005)
- Christa Christmas (2010)
- Garnet Glitterbella (2008)
- Holiday Hannah (2010)
- Holiday Wishes Hadley (2013)
- Molly Mistletoe (2012)
- Noella (2004)
- Snowflake Sophie (2009)
- Deck the Halls Dessa (2013)
- Sylvie Starr (2007)
- Tessa Tannenbaum (2006)
- Tyanna Tannenbaum (2006)
- Merry Marissa (2014)
- Noelle (2015)
Easter
- Petal (2005)
- Clara (2006)
- Elisa (2014)
Valentine's Day
- Vivica (2006)
- Valana (2005)
- Viviana (2014)
Halloween
- Ember (2006)
- Cinder-Sue (2007)
- Countessa (2005)
- Willow Witch (2004)
- Charissa Cat (2008)
- Candy Corn Carissa (2009)
RSVP
These dolls came with codes to unlock special items online. They celebrated Groovy Girls' 10th anniversary. The RSVP line dates from 2008-2009.
- Amara
- Alesa
- Amalina
- Latasha
- Libbi and Louie (Louie is a dog attached to Libbi's hand.)
- Lakinzie
- Lycia
- Linae
- Dela
- Denell
- Dhara
- Darise
Fun Packs
- Kali and Krista (Fashion Blizzard) October 2002
- Kassidy (Belle Espirit) March 2002
- Lailie (Birthday Girlie) 2006
- Evie (Saddle Up) 2006
- Sarina (Soccer) 2006
- Sawyer (Surfer, male) 2006
- Becca (Basketball) 2006
- Sasha (Posh Party) Late 2001
- Bindi (Vet En Vogue) 2007
- Yvette and Carissa (Sleepover Central) 2007
- Brida (Ballet) 2007
- Josh (Attitude on Wheels, male) 2006
- Charisse (Ready to Rock) 2006
- Helena (Groovy Games Swim Team) 2004
- Hadlee (Groovy Games Gymnast) 2004
- Harper (Groovy Games Soccer) 2004
- Winter Rose (Snowy Sensation) 2008
- Shauna (Spa Splendor) 2006
- Reva (Sticker Snazzmatazz) 2003
- Rochelle (Sticker Snazzmatazz) 2003
- Shatrina (Midnight Madness) 2007
- Aria (Gimme a G!) 2007
Troop Groovy Girls
These dolls were partnered up with Girl Scouts. The Troop line dates from 2007-2010.
- Respectful Roxi (2007)
- Friendly Fiona (2007)
- Caring Caitlin (2007)
- Courageous Camara (2007)
- Fair Faye (2009)
- Considerate Christa (2008)
- Helpful Haylee (2009)
- Strong Sierra (2008)
- Responsible Rilee (2009)
- Honest Hala (2007)
- Dinah (Daisy Girl Scout, 2010)
- Kiri (poseable, 2008)
- Ardella (poseable, 2008)
Dreamtastic
The Dreamtastic line dates from 2005-2011.
- Melina Mermaid (2006)
- Bride Jennibelle (2007)
- Bridesmaid Melinda (2007)
- Princess Seraphina (2006, 2010)
- Princess Sharissa (2006)
- Prince Lance (2005)
- Princess Lucinda (2005)
- Flower Girl Faith (2007)
- Jennica and Gavin's Wedding (2007)
- Binni Ballerina (2006)
- Franchesca Fairy (2006)
- Bellissima Ballerina (2008)
Candy Kingdom
The Candy Kingdom doll line dates from 2007. Fatina and Dari have their pets on leashes attached to their hands.
- Dari and Dottilicious Puppy
- Fatina and Fluffy Cotton Candy Kitty
- Princess Bubblegum Bella
- Princess Candy Heart Cassidy
- Princess Lollipop Lola
Special Edition
These dolls date from 2005-2012.
- Rock Around The Clock Bobby and Suzy Q (2006)
- Safari Kari (2005)
- Fleurabella (2010)
- Chef Charlotte (2010)
- Irish Steppin' Adelaene (2010)
- Starletta (2008)
- Galexia (2011)
- Bianca Ballerina (2011)
- Birthday Wishes Betsy (2012)
- Fayla Fairy (2012)
- Steffi
- Lexa (Learning Express exclusive)
- Lexanne (Learning Express exclusive)
- Lynne (Ron Jon Surf Shop exclusive, 2005)
Chic Boutique
The Chic Boutique doll line dates from 2005.
- Nicole
- Natalya
- Nanette
Flutterflies
The Flutterflies doll line dates from 2010.
- Lana Ladybug
- Becca Butterfly
- Dani Dragonfly
Princesses
The princesses date from 2010-2015.
- Princess Leilani
- Princess Peony
- Princess Isabella
- Princess Ariana
- Princess Liliana
- Princess Dazzelina
- Princess Ella
- Princess Dahlia
- Princess Crystelline
Mermaids
The mermaids date from 2002-2012.
- Marissa
- Myra
- Maya
- Maddie
- McKenna
- Aqualina
Style Scents
These dolls date from 2015, and each one is fruity-scented. They all come with a pet as well.
- Mia - comes with pet dog Taffy and smells like watermelon
- Lilly - comes with pet cat Parfait and smells like raspberry
- Sadie - comes with pet rabbit Shortcake and smells like strawberry
Fairybelles
The fairies date from 2015.
- Nissa
- Cricket
- Breena
Groovy Girls Sleepover Club
Groovy Girls Sleepover Club was a series of short, chapter books for early readers starring the main 6 Groovy Girls, who are Gwen, Reese, Oki, O'Ryan, Vanessa, and Yvette. The books each contained 80 pages and a few illustrations. The books were published from 2005-2006.
List of books
- The First Pajama Party: Slumberiffic Six
- Pranks a Lot: The Girls vs. The Boys
- Sleepover Surprise: A Twin-Sational Birthday
- Rock and Roll: Divas Supreme
- Choose or Lose: How to Pick a Winner
- The Great Outdoors: Take a Hike
- Growing up Groovy: An Out-of-this-World Adventure
- Girls of Summer: Bon Voyage
Licensing and awards
Burger King offered miniaturized plastic as well as plush versions of Groovy Girls in its global Kids Meal program, which ran from February 12, 2007 to March 18, 2007.[11] That year, Manhattan Toy also partnered with the Girl Scouts to develop a line extension of dolls called Troop Groovy Girls.[12] An online community called Camp Groovy Girls launched in September, soon after the dolls became available in stores.[12] In February 2008, the Toy Industry Association named the Girl Scouts' Troop Groovy Girls the best girl toy of the year during the American International Toy Fair in New York City.[13] Groovy Girls had previously won "Girl Toy of the Year" and "Specialty Toy of the Year" awards at the 2003 Toy Fair.[6]
References
- ^ Gabler, Ellen P. (2005-12-23). "Dogs with Attitude to Follow Groovy Girls". Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
- ^ Newmarker, Chris (2009-05-01). "Toymaker Plans New, Bigger Doll". Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
- ^ a b c
"Silver Lining Bringing Groovy Girls to Licensed Products". Kids Today (Reed Business Information). 2005-07-01. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b c d Kadaba, Lini S. (2009-01-26). "Self-Esteem, Sharing Marketed". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
- ^ Weisstuch, Liza (2002-12-12). "Toy Story". The Phoenix. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
- ^ a b c d De Mesa, Alicia (2005-10-12). "Marketing and Tweens". BusinessWeek. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
- ^ D'Innocenzio, Anne (2003-11-29). "Identity Dolls: Toy Makers Try to Appeal to All Kinds of Girls". The Press-Enterprise. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
- ^ Bland, Karina (2007-10-09). "Dolls Gone Wild: Unhappy Moms Want Wholesome Alternatives". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
- ^ a b Grimaldi, Paul (2005-02-25). "Tech Trend Continues Its Ascent". The Providence Journal. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
- ^ Kuchinskas, Susan (2007-07-01). "An Underserved Age Group Has Huge Buying Power". OMMA (MediaPost Communications). Archived from the original on May 31, 2012. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help); Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Toy Firms Hope for Burger Bonanza". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. 2007-03-12. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
- ^ a b
Hurn, Mary Elizabeth (2008-01-28). "Manhattan Toy/Girl Scout Partnership; ExpoTV; Auto Insurance Specialists". DMNews (Haymarket Group). Retrieved 2009-11-19.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^
"Dolls Chosen as Outstanding Toy". Tri-Town News (Greater Media). 2008-03-13. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help)
External links
- Official website
- Groovy Girls at Manhattan Toy