Similandia

I have written previously about the drug store chain "Farmacias Similares", and its mascot, the loveable Dr. Simi.  Some years ago, pharmacy began producing Dr. Simi dolls which became enormously popular.  Last year the company opened a store on the far south side of the city called "Similandia.  Besides being a pharmacy, it sold a wide variety of Dr. Simi products.  Then about a month ago, they opened a second store, conveniently located in the historic center of Mexico City.

Last Saturday, Alejandro and I took a trip downtown, and we made a point of visiting the new "Similandia"

We were greeted at the door by a fellow dressed as Dr. Simi.  Dr. Simi's wardrobe has expanded far beyond his original doctor's outfit, and he now has a wide variety of costumes.  Here he is dressed as "El Chavo del Ocho", the lead character of a very popular children's show.

I feel sorry for the guys in the costumes.  In this heat it must be very uncomfortable to be dressed in the heavy outfit dancing all day on the sidewalk.

Inside the store there is all sorts of Dr. Simi merchandise.  There is a wide selection of different dolls.

I have mentioned before that I frequently send dolls as gifts to the daughters of a friend of mine back in the U.S.  I have already sent a couple of Dr. Simi dolls (the original doctor outfit and a Simi Santa), and the younger daughter has fallen in love with them.  So, of course I had to buy some new ones in different costumes.

In addition to the dolls, the store also sells Dr. Simi socks, towels, blankets, pillows, etc., etc.  It is much more than a commercial enterprise.  The factory which produces these items hires people with disabilities.

As we left the store, I was glad to see that same guy did not have to greet customers for hours on end in this heat.  He had been relieved by another person in a different outfit... this one is of "El Chapulín Colorado" (The Red Grasshopper), the hero of another children's show.