It's RUMORED that the launch date for contemporary character Tenney has been moved back to Feb. 16 (from Feb. 9th original date).
It's also rumored that Felicity Merriman will launch the SAME date, but only at the larger stores. Los Angeles, NYC and Chicago.
I am so hurt about Felicity only going to Flagship Stores, forcing us to pay shipping. I want all of her Collection. It must be something they cannot fix on the release date, becasue no one will be at the stores shopping after Valentine's Day, so it will cost them.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there will be a collection. Hoping I am wrong. Heard she isn't getting any more than her meet dress and undergarments. Madelon
DeleteOh, that would be heart breaking for people who have the doll and just want new items for her. Her meet outfit alone is beautiful!
DeleteDon't understand why they would release them both at the same time and make Felicity only available in three American Girl stores unless she is headed to Toys r Us. Madelon
ReplyDeleteThey really need to get Tenny in before Valentine's and Felicity Merriman can draw in her own crowd to help them with sales goals. They just don't make sense much to the Loyal Customer Base anymore.
DeleteAG FB confirmed yesterday that Gabriela will be at TRU in March in reply to a comment about packaging and distribution.
DeleteWish she would stay at the AG stores and on line only. Madelon
DeleteThey just say anything from day to day on that Facebook Page. They just responded a few days ago, on there that She was (not) going to Toys R Us. They can make your stomach hurt. The Mangers in my Store don't even want to talk about it. So it is killing the feelings of lots of management to see this happen. They hate it. American Girl just wants the purchase orders so bad to make profits look better, in my opinion to share holders, I hope they ask for a detailed report of where the increase is comming from, so when it stops they know where they went wrong. I don't even Shop at Toys R Us or Khols, all my money has been going to American Girl Brand Store. I made a big purchase at Toys R Us and got to find our they has essentially no customer support or service, only a bogus call center offered by what seems like a 3rd Party, and once they hang up with you nothing happens. I purchased a $500 Toy Range Rover. Total junk. And No problem was ever resolve, I was stuck with the junk. I vowed to never go back. I got my Grandson's Expensive Computers there and paid to add a warranty, lost the paperwork, they both cracked their screens, no paperwork, they said they could not help. So I have no love for Toys R Us. They take your money give you what ever and are done with you. They love to offer name brands, because if they had to sell their own brand it would not sell, after go through making a purchase and finding out you purchased junk. Based on my own experience. Mom of 5, Grandma of 3 Grandson's.
DeleteI saw AGFB post that they had no plan to sell in TRU and Kohl's. I also saw an article on PRNews, on Jan. 1st, that AG told about all the stores where Gabriela's collection would be sold. The article did say TRU in March. I replied to AG's post the link for that article. Several posts after mine, AGFB replies to someone asking about selling in TRU and AG then responded that they were sorry for the misinformation. Ever since that they have been 'announcing' that her collection will be available in TRU. IMO, they wanted people to buy from AG first, they didn't want the AG store to have to compete with TRU for sales. If that is the case, then why are they selling the doll there? The excuse on AGFB is so they can reach more girls. However, they then sell in-store exclusives. My favorite saying ...For all the including the say they want, they do a lot of excluding.
DeleteThe packing isn't a problem. AG already has a solution. When they sold Caroline in Costco, that packaging was the original AG box, inside a sleeve/box with a full view window. So AG already has a solution, they are just choosing not to do it. Tricia pointed out in her review of the OG red dress, they are moving toward AG type packaging. Isn't that interesting, since AGFB keeps telling us that they are trying to accommodate what the girls are asking for or I'll pass your information to the appropriate department. IMO, it is the CEO of AG that isn't listening. Mattel is using AG like they did to Barbie, which is to put the brand that is selling well on everything, to sell more products. What is next AG coloring books?
OG outfits for purchase online normally come in a cardboard box with the outfit inside in plastic. The outfits meant for store display are arranged and sewn into open packaging. Also true for the OG horses and foals. Online only horse and foal packaging is just a cardboard box, no cute cardboard horse stable like the instore packaging.
DeleteI tend to think of AG like Disney. Most people will never be able to afford to visit Disney World or Disneyland, just like most people will never be able to go to an AG Place. But most (all?) kids are able to enjoy and participate in the magic of Disney through its movies, books, and various merchandise. I'm glad that AG is trying to be more accessible, like Disney, but they are going about it wrong.
DeleteThe packaging and quality of items Disney sells relates to where it is being sold, and the pricing reflects that. Merchandise and clothing you buy directly from Disney is different than Disney merchandise you buy from Walmart. The new AG packaging is fine for a place like TRU. But it's unacceptable for an AG store. AG should have instore exclusives - and they should be amazing! The best quality, because you are paying for it. But don't offer something low quality and expect customers to pay high prices, just because it's "American Girl"
I am a trifle hesitant to believe some of these rumors. This is money making Mattel we are speaking of, not Pleasant company. I have a feeling these rumors are generated to make people anxious so there will be a 'buzz' that Felicity and Tenney will be 'perceived' as limited and only available at these stores, when in reality they will be available. Why else are they selling American Girl in Kohl's, Toys R Us if not a 'dumbing Down' of the brand?? The more the dolls are out there, the more Mattel makes so I am going to wait. Not everyone can go to these flagship stores, unless these stores just need this promo to have an influx of cash at the beginning of the year to prop up their sales. That's what it looks like to me.
ReplyDeleteYou have so many good points. Shareholders need to hire Auditing Firm to see what is happening with this company, and how they are destroy the Brand and loyal customers. The People are are hitting are 1 time buys who just want to say they got a Doll, the Storit's are endless if you have a Child in say Ballet, Cheerleading, Gymnastics. They Mims thst always want to say they have one too. But then once the Child gets the 1 Doll, they are done..............they can finally say they have one. So what next??? Nothing...... I better stop. Why They can't see this, I don't know. It started with Isabelle they destroyed there self, 78 for a Bundle on Jill's Deals and Steals, when the Loyal Customers waited in line on Grand opening day, (a week after Christmas) to pay 120 for just the Doll..........
DeleteDoes anyone know if AG will have a table set in Felicity collection?
ReplyDeleteAnxious for Logan's release date now; was supposed to be same as Tenney's. Very curious to see a photo of him and know his release date! Also, very disappointed Felicity won't release in ALL stores. :(
ReplyDeleteDrat. The stores are going to be mobbed. We were planning on going to AGP Boston over winter break, around the 17th. Figured things would be quieter since the release was earlier in the month and wouldn't have the big crowds in store by winter break.
ReplyDeleteWe were looking forward to seeing Tenney and Logan in person. Checking out Gabriela's collection and the WellieWishers displays.
I think on Valentines will be busy a little.
DeleteI still think it would make more sense to release them in different months and make everything be available in all brick and mortar stores. Felicity should be at Tyson's Corner in Virginia as her story takes place in Virginia. Madelon
ReplyDeleteYou said this perfectly. Maybe who was ever works in Marketing has never read the Felicity Merriman Story or watched the Movie.
DeleteThanks, Maxine!It could be. I didn't realize that Toys r Us sold the FAO Schwartz brand in OCtober of 2016. I hated when Toys r Us closed the FAO Schwartz flagship store in 2015. That was the end of an era at the hands of Toys r Us. According to CNBC story by Krystina Gustafson of CNBC on OCtober 4, 2016, Toys r us in working on a "turnaround strategy that includes cutting costs, closing stores and making its existing shops more fun and interactive." According to the same article, "Toys r Us ended the second quarter of 2016 with $1 billion in total liquidity and $5.2 billion in long-term debt." That is a huge amount of debt!! Why is AG attaching itself to this? Madelon
DeleteGirl!!!!!!!! I. Ever knew becasue I only keep up with American Girl. This is however no surprise. They have no real customer service and The Manger at Our Store is the worst man I ever meet Mike at Willowbrook 249 Location. I wish they could hire a team for go in and see how he handle their customers. Undercover Boss needs to send their CEO to Toys R Us Willowbrook. I guess they Hope American Girl Customers will pull them up. I say no way!!!!!!..........
DeleteI grew up about 2 hour bus ride from NYC. When I was in my early 20s, my future husband and I went to NYC at Christmas time. I dragged him to FAO Schwartz store. That was the first place we went. Since we were there early, the line to get in wasn't long. They could only let so many people in the store at one time. Once you got in the lobby, there was a escalator ride up to the toy store. It was such a special experience. Then they were bought by TRU. Five years ago, my daughters and I went to NYC with my sister. She said we have to go to TRU and see the Barbie's house. Walk in and there are candy vending machines, the big ferris wheel. I looked down to the bottom floor, where the ferris wheel entrance is and there is garbage. My girls wanted to ride the ferris wheel, I said no it looks so dirty. The whole store was like that. I never really understood why AG would want their dolls there. Our TRU, is the original themed TRU. when they first put the FAO Schwartz line in the store, it had it's own section upfront. Then they moved them around the corner in the first aisle, last year they moved to the first aisle, but in the back of the store. I read that TRU sold the FAO line.
DeleteHere is an article on one person's opinion on the difference of the Beforever and Truly Me stories. https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/compost/wp/2013/05/01/even-more-terrible-things-are-happening-to-the-american-girl-doll-brand-than-you-thought/
My family had wonderful memories of the New York FAO Schwartz store. You experiences are on point with mine vis-a-vis FAO Schwartz's demise at the hands of Toys r Us. Madelon
DeleteAriel2Belle, the Washington Post story is right on point. Thanks for sharing it. Madelon
DeleteIt absolutely won't be on the 17th. Possibly the 16th, but not the 17th.
ReplyDeleteAG has been doing new releases (except GOTY which is always Jan. 1) on Thursdays for years!!! I doubt that's changing now.
They might be having an in store activity on the 17th but the dolls will be available on the 9th or 16th.
Hope something can stay the same......let's see.
DeleteIt is odd to me that when I look at store events for the Tyson's store there are no events listed. Madelon
DeleteMadelon, the same at Our Store. That is insane. No events scheduled.
DeleteYou would think Valentine's events, at least. Madelon
DeleteMadelon, how they not have anything planned for Valentine's? Insane.
Delete2016 was drastically less store events than past years. AG promotes itself as an experience which is why my daughter and I love going. Is 2 hour drive so we make it a special mommy-daughter trip and combine with store event if can. I commented on phone to AG rep about major drop in store events being a negative. She agreed and said would pass along my comment. Seemingly even less events for 2017. Another poor decision.
DeleteI agree. Madelon
DeleteDo you think this could be the beginning of the end for the GOTY? They did not put much effort into Gabriela's collection; #46 "modified", 2 outfits + PJs with accessories from previous GOTYs (Marisol, McKenna, Isabelle). Are they instead thinking to begin a "BeForever-type" series of dolls with story in the TrulyMe line? Tenney would be the first of, say, 6-8 dolls of today with a story and consistent line of clothing and accessories? That way AG could have contemporary dolls of different ethnicities and varying stories of dance, art, cooking instead of GOTY. They would possibly stop all the complaints about GOTY not being this or that every January.
ReplyDeleteI had heard rumours that this would be the last girl of the year, before she arrived. Now, American Girl is denying it. Madelon
DeleteIkr all I can say is lovliautumn knows they are making goty 2018 from being at the headquarters, but they could have canceled her. Funny how she didn't hear anything about goty 2017 while she was there. Now we know why???
DeleteIf she is available for more than a year Lea was the last girl of the year and Gabrielle isn't a girl of the year at all. If she is not limited she is not special and that really bothers me.
DeleteYou have a great point. It would be the smart way to go to copy Target!!!!! Seems like it would cost a lot in marketing Dollars to get out so many Stories. The Story and Book is important. Target is already doing that for pretty cheap. $32.00 a Doll with a Book and Story. The American Girl Brand Doll Marketing Department seems insane.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't matter who runs what department. The CEO should have the last say and direct the company. The CEO should be responsible for all decisions made.
DeleteI read on the Internet a rumour that Felicity won't have any outfits other than her meet dress and the underwear. Has anyone else heard anything? That could explain two dolls launching on the same day. Madelon
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is Wow. This is ridiculous. Unimaginable.
DeleteI really hope that's not true. I really really want that meet dress, but I already have Felicity, & I doubt they will sell it separately. So it would be a real bummer not to have any new outfits to choose from.
DeleteSamantha's new meet outfit was sold separately when she came back from the archives, so I actually think there is a pretty good chance Felicity's will be available separately too.
DeleteI have also heard the rumor. It would make sense because no other outfits have been leaked. The rumor was that she is to be a limited edition doll only. I hope that they will release more later. Mostly because I want the meet dress but dislike the current incarnation of Felicity. Her eyes don't look very green her hair is auburn and her face is generic truly me. They could have at least made her eyebrows a bit fuller.
DeleteThat is an interesting observation. We've seen so many outfits leaked for Tenney, and only two for Felicity. When the partnership with TRU and Kohl's was announced, they said in the article that the Beforever line would still be sold in AG stores only. Kaya and Josefina are the only dolls not available for purchase in Chapters/indigo. All the other dolls are on their website; however, Addy is out of stock in the store and online. Rebecca is out of stock in store and is on re-order status for online. Perhaps, they do have plans to sell the Beforever line in TRU. The only ones with a big item is Melody (studio) and MaryEllen (diner). With just offering a doll and a few clothes, it is now possible to sell the whole collection in TRU, without taking up floor space.
DeleteReflecting back to the announcement or the partnership and that AG lies on FB. I do have to say it is looking more and more like they are going to close the AG stores except for the flagship stores, IMO. They brought this on themselves. Being a primarily online customer, they treat us horrible. AG excludes us for a lot of things. I'm glad that they finally put the PWP online and ear piercing. But they don't advertise the PWP, via e-mail. But they do advertise the gown that is in store exclusive, then say Joy to Every Girl. When I do called about Lea's items being on sale only in-store. I felt that I got some scripted speech; I'm sorry that happened to you...silence. I'm thinking your store policy did that to me; your management team did that to me, so what are you going to do to change. I got off the phone feeling more upset than when I called. Some of Lea's items are on sale in Chapters/indigo on line. I'm wondering if Gabriela's items will be on sale online only in 2018, at full price until they are sold out, but be on sale in Chapters/indigo (in store and online)?
Sorry to see such a good, positive, experience for girls go.
I would be really sad to see the DC store go. It has been a place of very happy memories for me. When I visit during the week now it is usually not crowded. I know that they are building a whole new modern New York store as the building is being sold. Madelon
DeleteI believe AGPNY is already in its new location at Rockefeller
DeleteCan you all believe American Girl Brand Doll Instagram Page has went private for 24 hours plus now. Could it be too many complaints? Will they now delete you if you post a negative comments if they allow you to follow them? I am in Shock.
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