There are only 15 American Girl Stores in the US, and we're lucky to have one right here in Atlanta, located at 1202 North Point Cir, Alpharetta, Georgia 30022 (North Point Mall)
I, along with a few other Macaroni Kid Publishers, and our kids decided to take a visit for Afternoon Tea.
We arrived early so that we could have a personal shopping experience with our personal shopper Kay Williams. She took us through a tour of the whole store, starting with the Historical Dolls. She explained, in detail, the history of each doll and what made each one unique and special. Obviously this information can be found in the AG books and DVDs, but to semi-newbies such as ourselves, it was very enlightening. You can tell that Kay didn't want to sell you a doll; she wanted you to identify and connect with a particular doll(s). I had always seen the bond between girls and their American Girl Dolls, and now I understand why.You're not just buying a toy or a doll, you're bringing home a friend.
We arrived early so that we could have a personal shopping experience with our personal shopper Kay Williams. She took us through a tour of the whole store, starting with the Historical Dolls. She explained, in detail, the history of each doll and what made each one unique and special. Obviously this information can be found in the AG books and DVDs, but to semi-newbies such as ourselves, it was very enlightening. You can tell that Kay didn't want to sell you a doll; she wanted you to identify and connect with a particular doll(s). I had always seen the bond between girls and their American Girl Dolls, and now I understand why.You're not just buying a toy or a doll, you're bringing home a friend.
The kids had a blast going through the tour, seeing the different dolls, clothes, and accessories, and hearing the history behind it all. Our personal shopper, Kay, was informative, witty, and patient as we had a large group. Even the 3 boys in the group were engaged. Afterwards she helped us check out by getting the products we specifically wanted, and rang us up at the register personally. We didn't have to go searching for things, or have to wait in line. She also sent us home with complimentary crafts, posters, and magazines. I highly recommend you get a personal shopper, no matter how small your purchase may be. It's quite an experience!
After our personal shopping experience we were seated promptly for our afternoon tea reservation. If you don't have or did not bring your AG doll, AG will loan you one for your Bistro visit. One little girl in our party did not have an AG doll yet, so she excitedly chose one for the duration of the tea. Another little girl dropped her doll off for her Hair Salon appointment, so she chose a doll as well. All the kids were handed seats for their dolls - even for one Non-AG Plush that one of the boys had brought.
After our personal shopping experience we were seated promptly for our afternoon tea reservation. If you don't have or did not bring your AG doll, AG will loan you one for your Bistro visit. One little girl in our party did not have an AG doll yet, so she excitedly chose one for the duration of the tea. Another little girl dropped her doll off for her Hair Salon appointment, so she chose a doll as well. All the kids were handed seats for their dolls - even for one Non-AG Plush that one of the boys had brought.
When we were seated, the dolls were given their own teacup and plate, and the kids were given a craft. The Afternoon Tea was surprisingly filling and everything was a hit with the kids. Besides the craft, another favorite keepsake of the kids was the daisy flower in their flowerpot Chocolate Mousse. During our meal we joined in for several "Happy Birthday" songs - It's a really popular place to celebrate birthdays!
Afterwards we went to the restroom to wash up, and I only mention this because I have to share - there are dollholders in the bathroom stalls! How cute & practical is that!
There's more to the American Girl Store than just shopping! Make sure you get the full American Girl "experience" by checking out one or more of the following:
(I HIGHLY recommend you call to make reservations for any of the options listed below ahead of time, at least 24hours or even earlier!)
Dining at the American Girl Bistro: They offer Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, as well as Afternoon Tea which includes a craft (this is the most economical at just $11pp). Check out the Menu HERE. Your doll gets her own chair, teacup & plate - if your child does not have a doll yet, they will loan you one for your bistro visit! *KEEPSAKE DINING PHOTO: The dining experience at American Girl is designed to delight—capture the moment with a photo! No need to plan ahead; just ask our restaurant staff when you arrive. Available for an additional fee.
Dining at the American Girl Bistro: They offer Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, as well as Afternoon Tea which includes a craft (this is the most economical at just $11pp). Check out the Menu HERE. Your doll gets her own chair, teacup & plate - if your child does not have a doll yet, they will loan you one for your bistro visit! *KEEPSAKE DINING PHOTO: The dining experience at American Girl is designed to delight—capture the moment with a photo! No need to plan ahead; just ask our restaurant staff when you arrive. Available for an additional fee.
Doll Hair Salon: The stylists can give your American Girl doll a new ’do or try to repair/fix damaged hair. Prices start at $10. One of the little Macaroni's in our group had her doll's hair fixed in a cute flip-braid style for just $15, which will need low to no maintenance! You can drop your doll off while you shop or dine if you're short on time, but it's also a great experience to stay and watch.
At the Salon you can also get:
- Doll ear piercing: Includes doll ear piercing, a pair of silver stud earrings, the Classic Silver Doll Earring Assortment, and a "Doll Earrings Tips" sheet for home care—all for just $14. Did you know, the newest doll Saige is the only doll to come with pre-pierced ears! Her accessories includes earrings, but there is even a wider selection of earrings in the accessories section of the store (which includes eye glasses!)
- Spa Deluxe package: For just $12, stylists will give your doll a thorough facial scrub to get her clean. And to keep her feeling relaxed, they'll send her home with a pampering set featuring cucumber stickers for her eyes, nail decals, flip-flops, a salon cape, and a faux face mask. Plus, girls get a "Doll Skin Care" sheet for home care.
- Pampering Plus package:For only $5 the stylists gives each doll a thorough facial scrub to wipe her clean and send her off with a set of nail decals to take home. Plus, girls get a "Doll Skin Care" sheet for home care.
Parties:
- Bistro Birthday Celebration: Every party guest will enjoy a delicious meal in the Bistro, cake and ice cream, and a take-home goody bag.
- Deluxe Birthday Celebration: This party takes place in your very own private dining area and features a tasty meal, a hands-on craft, table games, cake and ice cream, goody bags, doll tiaras, a special gift for the guest of honor, and so much more. *DELUXE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION KEEPSAKE: Create a memory of her big day—in a big way! A framed group photo is available for an additional fee with our Deluxe Birthday Celebration party package.
Special Events: The American Girl Store does special events throughout the year. Some have a small fee while many are FREE! Check out the CALENDAR before visiting so you can take advantage of any special event happening.
Shopping: You definitely want to reserve a PERSONAL SHOPPER no matter how little you plan on spending, it's FREE, and it's basically a TOUR of the store! Our Tour took about an hour long - so leave yourself enough time.
- Historical Characters
- Girl of the Year
- My American Girl Dolls
- Dress Like Your Doll
- Bitty Baby
- Bitty Twins
- Bookstore
- Souvenir Shop
Other Services:
- Merchandise shipments: For your convenience, we can send the merchandise you purchase directly to your home for a nominal fee.
- Doll Hospital admissions: Is your girl’s doll in need of some TLC? Bring her to the store, and we’ll send her to our Doll Hospital for everything from a general cleaning to “major surgery.” Once she’s feeling better (in about two weeks), we’ll send her home, safe and sound in a hospital gown!
- Returns and exchanges: If you wish to return or exchange American Girl merchandise, you can bring it to the store. Remember to bring your receipt or packing slip, too, for a quick and easy transaction.
- Fitting rooms: Make sure your girl’s outfit suits her with the convenience of our fitting rooms.
You should definitley check out this Atlanta treasure - even if just to grab a bite at the Bistro! If you've been or plan on going, feel free to share your experience with us! We love Reader Reviews!
Want to know what others are saying? Check out these reviews from fellow Macaroni Kid Publishers
Stephanie Gilbert - Macaroni Kid Conyers
Inge Werts - Macaroni Kid Gainesville
Have you visited and would like to share your experience? Just comment below, we love Readers' Reviews.
