Nothing makes me happier with American Girl then to see a Valentine's Day Dress be around for 2 Years as the leading Item in thst category. I always hope for atleast 2 year shelf Life from them. And no sale on a item less then 1 year old.
My rule of thumb has been not to buy when the items are released, unless they have a bundle sale with the doll. With the exception of the after Christmas sale, those are typically the best prices.
Wonder why it is taking so long to get clothes out for the WW. They have so many options from the WW show. Wonder when the WW bubble tub will be released. Also wonder if AG will bring some of their manufacturing back to US.
I love the Dolls without Hair; I'm really glad they are being used in displays. The AG Megabloks sets on display is a nice surprise. They are very popular in our house. And the WellieWishers, they might be my favorite.
I spoke with an employee at the Chicago American Girl store. Logan and Tenney next month. No word on Felicity, I'm guessing August. To be fair she said "2 new dolls next month and one is a boy". Lucky her she got to see both! She let me know that Felicity was not being released in February but had no other information.
Great information and makes total sense that Beforever Felicity comes out in August like always. A new Doll in February is a lot for most households, Christmas, Doll of The January 1st, then after Valentine's Day is over 1 to 2 new Doll's with Tenny and Logan. Then if one rush out purchase them a possible sale to diminish the purchase value. Hard to know how to be a smart shopper at American Girl Brand Doll Company any more.
You are right, for a high dollar toy, they are sure putting a lot out there. In 2016, they had the doll bundle sale at the end of the year, but who knows about 2017. In addition to what you are bringing up, in some years AG has put out some spring dresses and Beforever limited edition items, before Easter. Wonder if the Kit golf set is indication that will be a limited item (like Kit's candy making kit). If AG was planning on a retirement, there is more items that you would need to add to your list. So in summary...GOTY - January, Tenney and Logan - February, March - Spring items, May, June July (possible retirement, or adding items to sale page). August - Felicity, September ( possible school outfits), October - Halloween, November sale, December ? You are right, more items released and they seem to be ending up with more inventory to discount.
I was looking at Mattel's fourth quarter earnings report, fourth quarter sales increased by 4% compared to 2015, and for the year they were 0% or flat compared to 2015. Mattel is attributing this fourth quarter increase to WW line and sales of their dolls in other stores. Toys R Us and Kohl's had bad holiday sales compared to last year. Reading TRU and Kohl's statement on holiday sales, they said that Black Friday and the week before Christmas was strong, rest of time was bad. Then I was reading about Mattel's profit margin is 46.8% which is down compared to 2015. The explanation was due to stores having to discount the price of Mattel items, in order to create sales in stores. So I'm finding it hard to believe that the dolls sold real well in TRU and Kohl's, if Mattel's profit margin is down compared to last year and the stores had to discount items to generate store sales. I do wonder if the AG dolls took away sales of other items. If you only have so much money to spend, and you buy a doll for $100, then wait for your TRU reward to get additional items. There is the possibility you are going to wait for a sale, because your money didn't buy a lot of items on the first purchase of just a doll. In contrast, they could have bought a Journey Girl doll and accessory for the $100, get your reward dollars and get more items.
Aw, Ashlyn is so cute!
ReplyDeleteI think she is great, too. Madelon
DeleteNothing makes me happier with American Girl then to see a Valentine's Day Dress be around for 2 Years as the leading Item in thst category. I always hope for atleast 2 year shelf Life from them. And no sale on a item less then 1 year old.
ReplyDeleteWish there where Valentine's Day Doll shirts. And Valentine's Day Doggie goods.
ReplyDeleteI miss the Valentine shirts, too. The sale schedule is unfavorably unpredictable. Madelon
DeleteMy rule of thumb has been not to buy when the items are released, unless they have a bundle sale with the doll. With the exception of the after Christmas sale, those are typically the best prices.
DeleteWonder why it is taking so long to get clothes out for the WW. They have so many options from the WW show. Wonder when the WW bubble tub will be released. Also wonder if AG will bring some of their manufacturing back to US.
Thanks for sharing the pictures
I love the Dolls without Hair; I'm really glad they are being used in displays. The AG Megabloks sets on display is a nice surprise. They are very popular in our house. And the WellieWishers, they might be my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI spoke with an employee at the Chicago American Girl store. Logan and Tenney next month. No word on Felicity, I'm guessing August. To be fair she said "2 new dolls next month and one is a boy". Lucky her she got to see both! She let me know that Felicity was not being released in February but had no other information.
ReplyDeleteGreat information and makes total sense that Beforever Felicity comes out in August like always. A new Doll in February is a lot for most households, Christmas, Doll of The January 1st, then after Valentine's Day is over 1 to 2 new Doll's with Tenny and Logan. Then if one rush out purchase them a possible sale to diminish the purchase value. Hard to know how to be a smart shopper at American Girl Brand Doll Company any more.
DeleteYou are right, for a high dollar toy, they are sure putting a lot out there. In 2016, they had the doll bundle sale at the end of the year, but who knows about 2017. In addition to what you are bringing up, in some years AG has put out some spring dresses and Beforever limited edition items, before Easter. Wonder if the Kit golf set is indication that will be a limited item (like Kit's candy making kit). If AG was planning on a retirement, there is more items that you would need to add to your list. So in summary...GOTY - January, Tenney and Logan - February, March - Spring items, May, June July (possible retirement, or adding items to sale page). August - Felicity, September ( possible school outfits), October - Halloween, November sale, December ? You are right, more items released and they seem to be ending up with more inventory to discount.
DeleteI was looking at Mattel's fourth quarter earnings report, fourth quarter sales increased by 4% compared to 2015, and for the year they were 0% or flat compared to 2015. Mattel is attributing this fourth quarter increase to WW line and sales of their dolls in other stores. Toys R Us and Kohl's had bad holiday sales compared to last year. Reading TRU and Kohl's statement on holiday sales, they said that Black Friday and the week before Christmas was strong, rest of time was bad. Then I was reading about Mattel's profit margin is 46.8% which is down compared to 2015. The explanation was due to stores having to discount the price of Mattel items, in order to create sales in stores. So I'm finding it hard to believe that the dolls sold real well in TRU and Kohl's, if Mattel's profit margin is down compared to last year and the stores had to discount items to generate store sales. I do wonder if the AG dolls took away sales of other items. If you only have so much money to spend, and you buy a doll for $100, then wait for your TRU reward to get additional items. There is the possibility you are going to wait for a sale, because your money didn't buy a lot of items on the first purchase of just a doll. In contrast, they could have bought a Journey Girl doll and accessory for the $100, get your reward dollars and get more items.