Barbie’s return to the limelight this year may well see the dolls top this year’s bestselling toys, according to Regent Street retailer Hamleys.
Ahead of the Christmas shopping season, the toy seller said it expected a trend of adults seeking nostalgia from the toys of their childhoods to drive sales this winter.
“We’ve closely observed the trends shaping the toy industry, including toys inspired by beloved on-screen characters and the continued kidult trend,” the retailer said.
As a result, the Pop Reveal Fruit Series of Barbies, at £27 per doll, won top spot in Hamley’s list of 10 frontrunning toys heading into Christmas.
This was up from fourth on the list in 2022, following this year’s blockbuster film, which had scored earnings of US$1.4 billion globally come September.
Toys related to Marvel and Harry Potter characters, alongside Disney’s Winnie the Pooh also featured in Hamley’s top 10.