Barbie line getting a fresh look

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., April 18 (UPI) -- Mattel Inc., based in California, is getting ready to unveil the first new concept in four years for its Barbie line of toy dolls.

While Barbie Girls will be a new look for the 48-year-old line of dolls when they debut April 26 in New York, the company says they will just be a new product, not a complete makeover, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday. Mattel only hints that the new items will blend fashion doll play, the Internet and music.

"I think as a business there are things we can do to rebuild and help grow the doll business," said Chief Executive Robert Eckert. "We're going to be announcing some new things within the next couple of weeks that I think will add some excitement to the doll business."

Barbie has felt the pressure from MGA Entertainment's sassy Bratz dolls but remains the nation's No. 1 fashion doll.

Mattel said Monday sales of Barbie and related products in the United States fell 21 percent in the first three months of the year, but rose 20 percent worldwide for a 2 percent overall improvement, the newspaper said.