This past August, I took my daughter to the amazing American Girl Place on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile in the Water Tower. We were given a full tour by Koko, the store manager, and my daughter picked out her very first American Girl doll who she promptly named Lola. My daughter fell in love with the store and with her doll, and since that visit, has been doing nothing but planning her next trip to Chicago to get another doll and some more goodies. I always felt good about that fact that the store was so far away, so it wasn’t something we could just go to on a whim.
And then, I began hearing rumblings that an American Girl store would be opening up here in St. Louis.
Surely thinking it was a rumor, I swiftly brushed it aside.
Yesterday, though, fiction turned to fact. It was announced by the St. Louis Post Dispatch that indeed an American Girl store was being opened at the Chesterfield Mall, a swift 20 minutes away from our home.
If my daughter finds out, it’s a wrap.
Not that my daughter runs this, because trust me, I do all the decision making when it comes to spending cheddar on toys and other extras. But knowing that there is an American Girl store in my area is going to make me say “NO” a lot. American Girl dolls are not cheap and neither are the clothes, the accessories, and all the other items associated with the brand. And I no longer have the excuse of saying that it’s all the way in Chicago because soon, it will be right up the street.
I am debating whether I should even tell my 7 year old, or just let nature take its course by her finding out on her own (or through a friend at school). I could always act shocked and surprised about not knowing that there was one in our area.
I am not sure how I am going to play this one yet. But either way, sooner or later, it’s going to cost me money.
What to do, what to do?
Special thanks to Nick, who broke the news to me on Facebook by posting a link to the American Girl St. Louis Post Dispatch article.
I don’t have kids, but I’ve always loved American Girl Dolls. I happily take friends’ little girls to the American Girl Boutique and Bistro in Atlanta and we always have a great time. The store hosts several free events (arts and crafts, storytime) and I’ve been surprised that they’ve enjoyed eating with their dolls in the bistro over trying to get me to buy them new accesories.
There’s no hiding that place when it comes to town though. When it came to Atlanta there were billboards and radio advertisements everywhere.
Andrea, you may have a point. I know once the date is announced for the opening, it’s going to be everywhere. I guess I will just have to brace myself and tell her. I am looking forward to the events, though, because it looked like they had a ton of events for the girls in Chicago. I know my daughter would really love that. Thanks for commenting.
LOL! If I were you, I’d choose “hold out and pretend to be shocked” to sustain your peace for a little while longer.
Glammy, I am a good actress though. I have the ability to pull off the shocked factor. #sinsisterlychuckle
I suggest you that you should tell your daughter about the American Girl store in your area. You can explain her about the importance of being frugal and help her realize the value of money. This will also help her to manage within the means. All the best!