Strawberry Shortcake’s Origin Story

American Greetings, a well-known greeting card company, is the creator of the beloved character Strawberry Shortcake. The franchise was born in 1977 when Muriel Fahrion, an artist working for American Greetings, was tasked with creating a rag doll. Her art director provided specific guidelines for the doll, requesting it to be adorned with pink, red, and green colors and featuring a particular fruit.

Drawing inspiration from these instructions, Muriel Fahrion came up with the iconic character of Strawberry Shortcake. The character made her first appearance in greeting cards in 1979, captivating the hearts of many. Soon after, dolls, books, and games featuring Strawberry Shortcake were introduced to the market, further solidifying her popularity.

Initially owned by American Greetings, the Strawberry Shortcake brand is currently under the ownership of Iconix Brand Group. However, it is important to note that the ownership may soon change, as Iconix Brand Group has agreed to sell the brand to Canadian children’s television company DHX Media. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

In addition to American Greetings and Iconix Brand Group, Hasbro also played a role in the production and distribution of Strawberry Shortcake toys. From 2008 to 2013, Hasbro manufactured and sold the Strawberry Shortcake toys. However, in 2014, Hasbro decided to sell the toy franchise to The Bridge Direct.

The creation and success of Strawberry Shortcake exemplify the power of creativity and innovation within the greeting card industry. From a simple request for a rag doll, a beloved character emerged, capturing the hearts of children and adults alike. With its vibrant colors and charming design, Strawberry Shortcake has become an enduring icon in popular culture.

Who Invented Strawberry Shortcake Character?

Strawberry Shortcake was invented by Muriel Fahrion, who worked as a greeting card artist in 1977. Her art director approached her with a request for a rag doll design that would incorporate the colors pink, red, and green, as well as a specific fruit. Fahrion then created the iconic character of Strawberry Shortcake, featuring a strawberry as the chosen fruit. The doll became a popular sensation and later expanded into various media, including cartoons, books, and merchandise.

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Which Company Created The Character Strawberry?

The character Strawberry was created by American Greetings, a company that has been in the business since 1906. The franchise featuring Strawberry Shortcake began in 1977, when a talented staff member named Muriel Fahrion designed the first illustrations of Strawberry and her adorable pet cat, Custard. Initially, Strawberry Shortcake made her debut in greeting cards in 1979, captivating audiences with her charm and sweetness. Soon after, she became a beloved character in various forms of entertainment, including dolls, books, and games. American Greetings’ creation of Strawberry Shortcake has had a lasting impact on popular culture, capturing the hearts of many fans around the world.

Some key points about American Greetings and the creation of Strawberry Shortcake include:

– American Greetings is a well-established company that has been around since 1906.
– The character Strawberry Shortcake was created by Muriel Fahrion, a talented staff member at American Greetings.
– Strawberry Shortcake first appeared in greeting cards in 1979.
– The franchise quickly expanded to include dolls, books, and games, among other forms of media.
– American Greetings’ creation of Strawberry Shortcake has been widely embraced and adored by fans worldwide.

Does Hasbro Own Strawberry Shortcake?

Hasbro does not currently own Strawberry Shortcake. The brand character is currently owned by Iconix Brand Group. However, Hasbro did manufacture and sell Strawberry Shortcake toys from 2008 to 2013. In 2014, Hasbro sold the rights to The Bridge Direct, which took over the production and distribution of the toys. It is important to note that DHX Media, a Canadian children’s television company, has agreed to purchase the brand character from Iconix Brand Group, pending regulatory approval.

Conclusion

American Greetings is a prominent company that has made a significant impact in the world of greeting cards and character merchandise. The creation of Strawberry Shortcake in 1977 by artist Muriel Fahrion marked the beginning of a successful franchise that has captured the hearts of many. With its charming design and captivating colors, Strawberry Shortcake quickly gained popularity and expanded into various forms of media, including dolls, books, and games.

Over the years, American Greetings has continued to nurture and develop the Strawberry Shortcake brand, ensuring its presence in the market. The company’s collaboration with Hasbro and The Bridge Direct further solidified the popularity of Strawberry Shortcake toys and merchandise.

The recent acquisition of the Strawberry Shortcake brand by Iconix Brand Group, with plans to sell it to DHX Media, signifies the enduring appeal and potential for growth of this beloved character. American Greetings’ commitment to quality and creativity has made Strawberry Shortcake a timeless icon in the world of children’s entertainment.

American Greetings’ contribution to the world of greeting cards and character merchandise cannot be overlooked. With Strawberry Shortcake as its flagship character, the company has successfully captured the imagination of children and adults alike. As the franchise continues to evolve and expand, it is clear that American Greetings’ legacy will continue to thrive in the years to come.

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William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.