Barbie is the top toy for girls this holiday season, according to a survey of parents by the National Retail Federation, and Mattel Inc. says sales are up for the first time in several years. Part of Barbie's charm--and Mattel's success with her--has come from an ability to keep up with the times. "Barbie has consistently reinvented herself," says Chris Byrne, an independent toy consultant. Recently, Mattel has tapped into younger girls' fascination with fairies and princesses, with lines known as "Fairytopia" and "12 Dancing Princesses," which include movies, a stage show and prominent play on Barbie's interactive …

Manischewitz, the country's largest manufacturer of processed kosher foods, is trying to grow by offering options in line with today's gourmet trends--flavored olive oil, wasabi horseradish sauce and whole grain noodles. It's also attempting to appeal to non-Jews who are looking for more healthful food options. "It's not your bubbe's matzo and gefilte fish anymore," says Jeremy Fingerman, president and CEO of privately held R.A.B. Food Group of Secaucus, N.J., which bought the Manischewitz brand in 1998. In May, R.A.B. acquired the 136-year-old Rokeach brand, whose holdings include Mother's, Mrs. Adler's and Mishpacha. It is …

At a news conference in Times Square yesterday, the Seminole Tribe of Florida said it will purchase Hard Rock International, the parent of 68 Hard Rock Cafes in 45 countries, for $965 million. "We're going to buy Manhattan back one hamburger at a time," says Seminole vice chairman Max Osceola. The 3,300 Seminoles will own one of the world's biggest brands and biggest collections of rock 'n' roll memorabilia--70,000 pieces ranging from Madonna's bustier to Eric Clapton's guitar. The acquisition from The Rank Group of London is fueled by profits from the Seminoles' casino complexes in Tampa and near …

Russell Athletic, a maker of sports apparel, has been negotiating a marketing pact with the St. Louis Rams that included the right for its name to join that of investment-firm Edward Jones adorning the stadium. The facility would have been renamed Edward Jones Dome at Russell Athletic Field. Shortly before the deal could be finalized, however, the two sides backed off the idea. The team will rechristen the stadium with both names only for this Monday's game against the Chicago Bears, which will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. Instead, Russell will get long-term naming rights for the Rams' …

With a new CEO, slowing sales in the key U.S. market and a desire by executives at the company's global headquarters in Sweden for a global campaign, Ford Motor Co.'s Volvo Car Corp. is reportedly throwing its creative account into review. Havas' Euro RSCG Worldwide has handled Volvo's creative account in the U.S. since 1991, and is expected to participate in the review. Roth Associates, New York, is handling the review, according to knowledgeable executives. The consultant referred calls to Volvo, which would not confirm reports that a review was imminent. The automaker spent $65 million in measured media …

Nissan does not expect its gas-electric Altima, the first hybrid model produced by the Japanese automaker, to be profitable. It is only bringing it to market to comply with California's strict emissions regulations, according to Dominique Thormann, Nissan North America's senior vice president for administration and finance. The hybrid Altima goes into production next week in Tennessee and goes on sale next year. The new Altima is estimated to get 41 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway--significantly topping non-hybrid versions. But consumers don't want to pay the price for the cost of …

Appliance maker Whirlpool plans to sell its Hoover vacuum business to Techtronic Industries, a Hong Kong firm that also controls the Dirt Devil, Regina and Royal floor-care brands. The deal is pegged at $107 million. Whirlpool, which acquired Hoover in its recent purchase of Maytag, intends to focus on its core appliance business. Whirlpool also markets the KitchenAid and Jenn-Air brands, among others. Calling Hoover "one of the most recognized brands in the world," Techtronic chairman and CEO Horst J. Pudwill says its addition will strengthen its global market presence by diversifying its customer base, expanding its product …

If the high visibility of Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott makes it seem like he's running for office, it's because the Edelman public-relations firm has been directing a campaign it calls "Candidate Wal-Mart." Led by seasoned political operatives, the goal is to rescue the battered image of the world's largest retailer. Edelman's bipartisan team feels that image is crucial for drawing customers, smoothing the way for new stores in urban areas and beating back legislation that would raise costs. Michael Deaver, a former chief of staff for President Reagan who is now an Edelman vice chairman, compares the effort …

Toyota has launched Scion Broadband, which contains five channels of content, including short films, music videos, a Japanese anime cartoon series, stand-up comedy and footage from Scion's test-drive events. A "Spotlight" feature will profile a new artist each week. A new film will premiere each Friday. And the site's "Music" channel will carry live shows, videos of emerging artists and documentaries. The site also hosts a peek at new Scion commercials. Toyota also has built a Scion showroom in the virtual world of Second Life called Scion City that sells three virtual car models. Owners can customize …

Once the Food & Drug Administration has approved a drug for its specified treatment, doctors may prescribe it for any ailment. A study by Dr. Randall Stafford, a Stanford University medical professor, found that 21% of all prescriptions are for unapproved treatments. These so-called off-label uses can mean mega-money to drug producers. Lidoderm--the pain patch from Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc.--is projected to generate $300 million in sales this year as a treatment for all kinds of aches and pains. But it was approved for just one thing: alleviating pain from shingles. The FDA formally bars drug …