As long as this beauty queen has been around, Americans have been snatching her off store shelves. If your plan is to buy the dolls as an investment, fine but you may not always reep the rewards, remember others are doing exactly the same thing. Prices even can go down. I just got the new official 2008 Barbie collector catalog and have seen and bought dolls cheaper (Ebay) then what there asking in the catalog. You've heard this a hundred times, but I'll repeat it. Buy what you love, and if it doesnt bring back an investment, you own something you like. One tip: The more expensive the doll, the more Ive seen it increase in value, so buy the dolls that have a limited production and are a little more upscale, priced over $100.00 and definately the dolls wearing outfits created by real designers - Vera Wang, Robert Best  etc...