American Girl announces store relocation

Dallas, Texas - The well-known doll manufacturer, American Girl, has announced plans for a significant transition expected to take place in the coming year.

Dallas Metro News reported that the brand, known for its premium dolls that are widely coveted, intends to relocate from its current residence at the Galleria to The Shops at Park Lane.

American Girl aims to establish a vast, two-story retail environment at The Shops at Park Lane, spanning an impressive 15,400 square feet. Detailed plans and estimations recently provided to state regulators indicate that this ambitious project will require a substantial investment of $9 million. Construction is scheduled to commence in August, with the project reaching completion towards the end of January.

Julie Parks, an American Girl spokesperson, confirmed that the grand unveiling of the store is expected in the early stages of 2024. The upcoming establishment is predicted to host an array of exclusive features, such as a full-service restaurant, personal shopping assistance, and the flagship Dolled Up Salon. This salon offers a range of services, including hairstyling, manicures, and ear piercing, for both dolls and their owners.

Commenting on the brand's 16-year presence in the Dallas market, Parks spoke enthusiastically about the upcoming Park Lane store. “As we proudly celebrate more than 16 years in the Dallas market, the American Girl store at The Shops at Park Lane is the ideal location to reach new and existing fans in a unique, family-friendly environment,” she remarked, as quoted by Community Impact.

The Shops at Park Lane, located across NorthPark Center on the N. Central Expressway, is conveniently connected via a bridge that links the two properties. The shopping center is nestled in one of Dallas' prime retail districts, extending several miles east and west along Northwest Highway, up to Abrams Road and Preston Road.

Meanwhile, Galleria Dallas has decided not to comment on the expiration of American Girl's lease set for this year. This silence comes amid the shopping center's previously announced redevelopment plans, which led to a transfer of ownership to a group of lenders in December.

The forthcoming American Girl store at Park Lane is set to be strategically located between Nordstrom Rack and opposite HomeGoods. Northwood Retail, the owner and manager of The Shops at Park Lane, has devised this placement. Their spokesperson revealed that they have found the perfect occupant for their prominent two-story end-cap location, predicting that this experiential store will draw in a diverse range of shoppers.

As the holiday season approaches, a crucial period for toy retailers, it is uncertain if the Galleria store will continue operations during this peak sales time. This store currently remains the only Texas-based location for the brand.

When the American Girl store first opened its doors at the Galleria in November 2007, it was met with enthusiastic public response, with fans willing to camp out overnight to be the first to visit the store. Since its inception in 1986, American Girl has grown to include 10 outlets in the U.S. and six in Canada, despite a few permanent closures during the pandemic. The brand continues to operate its headquarters in Middleton, Wisconsin, and has been a subsidiary of Mattel since 1998.

Jevens, a representative for American Girl, did not provide a specific date for the Galleria store's closure. For additional information, they suggested contacting 877-247-5223 or visiting www.americangirl.com.