Strawberry Shortcake is a character we all know and love. If you were born in the 80’s I am sure you remember this adorable pint-sized girl with red hair adorned from head-to-toe with strawberries and a smile.
Known for promoting kindness, respect, and friendship she continues to draw the attention of young women around the globe and is slowly starting to trickle her way back into a store near you. Yes, you read that right.
American Greetings had no idea that when Muriel Fahrion introduced Strawberry Shortcake in 1977 on a greeting card they would be sitting on a gold mine. It’s like once people got a taste of the cuteness, they couldn’t let go of it.
And thus, Strawberry was franchised by Kenner, marketing dolls, posters, dinnerware, lunchboxes, clothing, bedding, and accessories. It wouldn’t be until 1980 that the franchise would air their first TV show with the character in 1980 which is thought to have contributed to its popularity tenfold.
The Strawberry Shortcake TV Show Increased The Franchise’s Popularity In The 1980s
The TV show, set in the town of Strawberry Land with “Strawberry Shortcake” as the main character, takes your imagination on a journey through endless rows of houses that look like something straight out of a bakery.
In fact, the character herself lives in a home that looks like a dessert order of Strawberry Shortcake with an amass of icing and strawberries atop the roof. Think about it. This is sure to attract anyone with a sweet tooth.
She is more well-known, however, for her calm yet jovial personality as well as her ability to always look on the bright side of life regardless of the circumstances. Also, she finds clever ways to get along with her friends and others around her through mediation, making things grow, teamwork, problem-solving, and kindness.
The TV show’s message sent a shockwave through the franchise’s fanbase pushing this sweet and selfless character into an overdrive of popularity. But as with all things the Kenner franchise came to an abrupt end in 1991 when the licensing was taken over by Hasbro.
A New Era Of Strawberry Shortcake
After the Kenner franchise’s end in 1991, the future of Strawberry Shortcake was uncertain. Fans were left feeling cheated out of the nostalgic character that raised them. With this in mind, the first attempt at revival was introduced in 1991, but her appearance would be drastically different than remembered.
Dressed in a headband, dress, and leggings, the Strawberry Shortcake of the 90s appeared more grown up and would transition again in 2003, 2007, 2009, and 2018. Strawberry Shortcake had more adult-like appearances to accommodate each new generation.
Even so, there was one thing that remained the same: the message of kindness, encouragement, hope, goodwill, and togetherness. In remembrance of this, her face, as well as her message, has re-emerged in retailers everywhere in the form of stationery sets, clothing, Halloween costumes, dolls, and accessories.
Conclusion
As you can see, Strawberry Shortcake has been a household name for a very long time. Also, her newly tapped notoriety is pushing her back into our lives during a time when we so desperately need the message of love and kindness.
I am sure that we can mutually agree on this and continue spreading this positive message amongst our family members, peers, and friends. This will continue to make her a fan-favorite for years to come.
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