Mar 9, 2010
RUSS Unveils Exciting Barbie Pet Plush Collection

RUSS proudly introduces Barbie™ doll’s Pets featuring three of her favorites in loveable, huggable plush that is sure to delight little girls. Licensed from Mattel, Inc. under the APPLAUSE® brand by RUSS, Barbie® remains the number one fashion doll and a pop-culture princess. This new partnership between RUSS and Mattel adds an exciting new dimension to the Barbie® franchise allowing girls to build their existing collection and play with Barbie™ doll’s pets.

The new RUSS line presents Sequin™, a gorgeous white poodle; Blissa™, an adorable kitten; and Lacey®, the playful Chihuahua puppy. Each pet has its own story and provides details about how they became friends with Barbie®.

RUSS has developed an extensive collection of stylish outfits, carriers, beds and more to complement the personality of each pet. Measuring approximately 10-inches, the pets will be sold wearing a colorful outfit, in its own carrier. Accessories for the pets reflect the style and trend-setting designs associated with the Barbie® line. Eye-catching packaging and retail displays featuring both the sets and fashion accessories come in a variety of sizes and are designed to entice multiple purchases.

Concurrent with the new RUSS line, Random House is publishing two Barbie™ books during 2010 that will feature these adorable pets. My Fabulous Friends, launching in Spring, includes all three pets in within its storyline. And as part of the national I Can Be… ™ campaign, Random House will release Barbie™: I Can Be a Pet Vet in Summer, featuring little Lacey®, the Chihuahua pup. A Fall DVD release, Barbie™: A Fashion Fairytale, introduces Sequin™, her loyal poodle.

World renown for its high quality teddy bears and plush animals, the RUSS gift and infant and juvenile lines are comprised of a diverse range of everyday, seasonal, and occasion-themed products that help people celebrate the milestones in their lives. The Company operates offices, showrooms, and distribution centers worldwide. RUSS holds many high-profile licenses in addition to Barbie™, including Disney®, John Deere®, Coca-Cola®, Corduroy®, Curious George®, Raggedy Ann and Andy®, Thomas Kinkade®, Harley-Davidson®, MLB®, NFL®, NHL®, among others.

For more information, contact Russ Berrie U.S. Gift, at 800-272-7877 or 800-334-0426. ##

For more editorial information, contact:
Pat Shaw – PCSA – (815) 334-9019 or E-mail patcshaw@aol.com