Founder April Showers started June with a bang as she became one of the first Black female-owned brands to partner with Walmart’s celebrations party category.
Viral Brand Empowers Black Girls To Feel Beautiful
Party supply brand Afro Unicorn was launched in 2019 by Showers to create products that empower young Black girls and women to feel beautiful. The brand landed on Walmart’s radar after a video of a four-year-old girl sporting a Unicorn shirt shared by celebrity figures Oprah Winfrey, Viola Davis, and Tina Knowles went viral.
The rest is history as the Afro Unicorn has launched 20 new products across 1,500 Walmart stores, according to a press release. The brand will also launch more holiday products later this year. To prepare, Showers has already signed multiple licensing deals.
“As the world’s largest retailer, Walmart continues to build an inclusive supply chain that reflects our customers and provides products and services that resonate and meet our customers’ needs,” said Laura Rush, senior vice president of entertainment, toys and seasonal at Walmart, according to a press release. “We are excited to have another Black-owned business join our supplier community and warmly welcome Afro Unicorn™ to the fold. We look forward to our customers celebrating life milestones with these great new products.”
Brand To Expand to Over 3,800 Walmart Stores
Afro Unicorn is available at select stores nationwide and will expand to over 3,800 stores throughout the month of June. Additionally, the brand has plans to offer apparel items including leggings and shirts. Currently, party favors displaying on Walmart shelves include plates, napkins, balloons, decorations and pinatas. More unique favors will also debut such as multi-color faux hair clips, sequin journals and an Afro Unicorn™ stuffed animal in a range of Black shades (vanilla, caramel, and mocha).
For Showers, offering a product in a variety of shades was important to showcase the multitude of complexions among Black consumers.
“My main goal for Afro Unicorn™ is to ensure Black girls and women feel unique, divine, and magical,” said Showers, according to a press release. “Afro Unicorn™ is more than a line of products. It’s a movement to make sure Black people are represented and have a seat at the table. I’m grateful Walmart understands how important this is and gave me that seat at the table. Now, millions of little girls will grow up with products on store shelves that represent and celebrate them.”
