I was first introduced to the American Girl brand when I was about 10 years old. Our parents got me a Samantha doll and her accessories and books, and my sister got Molly with accessories and books. The investment was huge in dolls for two girls who could be rough on toys – but we loved our dolls and took care of them. We both loved our dolls so much we still have them. But at the time, American Girl pretty much offered only their historical doll collection and we were intrigued and fans of the brand from that point on. Until this week, the closest American Girl store for us was in Chicago – which I dragged a good friend through in college, my love affair with the dolls and the collections was still strong.
This weekend, the first American Girl Store opens in Michigan in the Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi. The “Pop Up” location opened it’s doors this morning in the Nordstrom wing and is officially open in the area until January 31st. The store features all of the most popular products of American girl including Truly Me™, Girl of the Year™, Bitty Baby™, and the classic historical character line BeForever™. The Truly Me collection allows girls to choose form over 30 different skin color, eye color and hair combinations to choose a doll that is just how they want it, or to look just like them. And the BeForever collection includes all of their historical dolls, including Samantha and others they brought out of retirement a couple of years ago.
The new store also includes the new collection – Wellie Wishers, a smaller 14 inch doll meant for girls around 7 years old. The dolls all come with their own fashionable pair of wellies boots, and have stories that encourage girls to support each other and empower each other. Wellie Wishers will have their own web series coming in September. You don’t have to even have a doll to enjoy the series!
After touring the new American Girl store – my love for the brand has grown even more. You can completely customize your doll with ear piercing, clothing, accessories and even items to reflect their interest. They’ve gone beyond just a historical reference (which was and is awesome) to include something that every girl will love. They even have integrated technology into their accessories – like connecting Kit’s radio to your iPad or phone to make it actually play music. The Novi location of American Girl also offers the Doll Hair Salon where you can not only get your doll’s hair styled, but she can receive a facial, a manicure or even get her ears pierced (services for an additional fee). The store is packed with new options to make your American Girl doll the best friend for years to come.
This weekend the Grand Opening will be a ticketed event, anyone who wants to attend will be given a ticket for entry during a time period. In addition, during the opening weekend celebration, girls will receive a free book gift and craft while supplies last, and can enter to win Lea, American Girl’s 2016 Girl of the Year.
Event Information:
Saturday August 6 10 am – 9 pm
Sunday August 7th 11 am – 6 pm
The location at Twelve Oaks Mall is only open until January 31st, so be sure to visit while its still there. And be on the look out for more information on a special release later this month when Melody Ellison, an African American girl from Detroit in the 1960’s, who is going to make an early debut here in Detroit, with free books available at Detroit Public Library locations (while supplies last).
To learn more about American Girl or request a free catalogue, call 1-800-845-0005 or visit www.americangirl.com, www.facebook.com/americangirl, or www.twitter.com/american_girl.
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[…] purchase before the actual launch date. Melody will be available to order online and purchase in American Girl Store locations on Thursday August […]