Loving Family Sweet Streets Pet Shop & Beauty Salon

Remember the dollhouse from your childhood? Which room was your favorite? Now, imagine what's outside the window of that pretend home. Take a stroll downtown, where shops form a village square. See the Beauty Salon over there, next to the Pet Shop?

Fisher-Price brings back all those childhood memories, and more, with its Loving Family Sweet Streets Pet Shop & Beauty Salon. Everything you loved about your dollhouse is back--only this time, play begins inside a miniature play set (8-1/2" high)--a two-story bubblegum pink Beauty Salon and Pet Shop, connected by an almost-invisible hinge. Run your fingers over the flowers overflowing from the windowbox upstairs. Peek inside the windows, with their scalloped shades halfway pulled. A fancy teal colored front door welcomes you inside, where you'll be greeted by a smiling hair stylist (whose long hair can be styled with a small comb). The shop comes with a complete mirrored beauty station with all the tools of the trade--blow dryer, reclining chair, comb, and sink.

Step nextdoor to the Pet Shop, but do watch where you step, because two playful kittens, a bird, and a basketful of cuddly puppies are waiting to steal your heart! Next to the counter and cash register perches a parrot who might tell you a secret if you listen verrrrry carefully. Upstairs you'll find cozy cages where an assortment of rabbits, gerbils, mice, and pups play and nap their day away.

Designed with an open back side to allow for easy arrangement of the accessories, these charming shops are a super addition the the Sweet Streets collection. Kids ages 3+ can open the set wide for play; or, to place the stores at the corner of the city square, close them partway. Snap them shut and you'll have a convenient storage container for the accessories inside.

Set comes with a bargain coupon for purchasing the Sweets Streets Play Mat for just $1.99 (plus $2.00 postage).

Let the play begin!

WonderKorner asked Fisher-Price for a peek inside the development of the Loving Family Sweet Streets' Pet Shop & Beauty Salon. Here is what we learned from Steve Buzzelli- Girls Team Assistant Marketing Manager-
Sweet Streets Beauty Salon and Pet Shop

What sparked the idea for this toy/game and what process did it have to go through on its journey to the store shelves?
Sweet Streets is all about miniature dollhouse play. It is formatted for "on-the-go" play, which is perfect for preschoolers going to their grandparent's or friend's house. Like the other buildings in the village, Sweet Streets Beauty Salon and Pet Shop has a carrying handle and all of its contents are easily stored inside.

 

Based on our observations, little girls love the beauty salon and the whole process of making themselves and others beautiful. Another favorite among little girls is animals. In the Sweet Streets Pet Store, girls can role-play that they are shopping and play with the animals at the same time. Having these two stores in one building is a great way for the girls to have hours of fun going back and forth between two things they love.

What do you hope children will gain by choosing this product?
Our number one intention that we want children to get out of playing with Sweet Streets Beauty Salon and Pet Shop is fun and also the joy of exploring their world through play. It is a travel toy with a whole array of role-play within the community or village. The girl can act out how she feels she and her family fit into the community and she can begin to find out more about herself during the role-play.

Does a child's level of imagination play a part in the success of this toy? Why or why not?
The child's imagination certainly plays a large part in the success of this toy. Sweet Streets Beauty Salon and Pet Shop is just the starting point for girls to begin their play, from there they can go wherever their imagination takes them. Little girls can create tons of different ways to play with this toy, they could change their way of playing each time or they can keep it the same, it is their choice.

What was your favorite toy from childhood?
My favorite toy from childhood was a Batman action figure. I liked it because it was linked to the show and also because it gave me the ability to role-play saving people. I also liked the costume because it looked really cool.

What is an average day at work like for you?
Marketing is the central point of the product; therefore, I work with a lot of different people. Some of the departments include, design, packaging, engineering, as well as many others. I always have a lot going on at once that I need to juggle. Although it is busy, it's still fun. Everyday I am involved in many things, because marketing is involved with every aspect that touches the product.

Thanks, Steve!