American Girl

[mnasf]

I will be driving from the Disneyland area and want to be at American Girl when it opens. My dilemma is that I can go on a Sunday assuming the traffic will be lighter, but worried the store will be busier. Or I can go on a Wednesday assuming the traffic will be worse, but the store less busy. I have never been here. My girls want to get their dolls' hair restyled and also have lunch. Any recommendations or things I should consider? Thanks!

 

[tripletlyblessed]

You want to go to The Grove, right? (That's the only AG store I know of, but I could me wrong since my girls aren't into them...yet.) I've noticed traffic can be bad on Sundays, too, so if you plan the return so that it doesn't happen at rush hour, you should be good on Wednesday. Lunch time will be busy-ish at the mall because people go for business lunches. I think the trolley is still not running, but The Grove is nice to walk around. Vegas with a real sky.

 

[mnasf]

You want to go to The Grove, right? (That's the only AG store I know of, but I could me wrong since my girls aren't into them...yet.) I've noticed traffic can be bad on Sundays, too, so if you plan the return so that it doesn't happen at rush hour, you should be good on Wednesday. Lunch time will be busy-ish at the mall because people go for business lunches. I think the trolley is still not running, but The Grove is nice to walk around. Vegas with a real sky.

I think it's in the Beverly Hills area.

 

[yngsj]

The only AG in CA is at The Grove.

 

[tripletlyblessed]

It is in Los Angeles but down the street is Beverly Hills. www.thegrovela.com is the site. A very nice mall.

 

[mnasf]

It is in Los Angeles but down the street is Beverly Hills. www.thegrovela.com is the site. A very nice mall.

Thanks everyone. I've only seen it on a map that suggested hotels to stay in. This helps explain it! I'm just not sure about traffic or how busy the store is.

 

[mnasf]

Thanks everyone. I've only seen it on a map that suggested hotels to stay in. This helps explain it! I'm just not sure about traffic or how busy the store is.

And thanks for the links. I can understand it always being fairly busy around there if it's a mall.

 

[tripletlyblessed]

So...we went to The Grove today around 1:30 and the parking lot was just thinning out. (There is a lot for the Farmer's Market and that was full but there were was a line of cars coming out.) We didn't go down towards the American Girl store, but the mall itself wasn't very crowded and the trolley was running!

 

[mnasf]

So...we went to The Grove today around 1:30 and the parking lot was just thinning out. (There is a lot for the Farmer's Market and that was full but there were was a line of cars coming out.) We didn't go down towards the American Girl store, but the mall itself wasn't very crowded and the trolley was running!

Thanks! That helps. I was hoping to make it there by opening at 10am. Not sure if that'll make it better or worse. maybe a weekday is better.

 

[Eeee-va]

I went there from around Irvine back in late June 2006. We arrived at maybe 10:30 (aimed to be earlier--traffic wasn't AWFUL but we got a bit lost on the way). It wasn't busy at all until at least 11, maybe 11:30. We did spend most of our time in the historical section, which is often less popular than the "Today" section, though. (Depending on the timing of your trip, if a new historical doll is out, the Historical section could be very busy!)

I don't know how it is now--the store was a lot newer in 2006--but I'd guess store traffic patterns would still be fairly similar.

I'd think weekends would be busier, but I'm not quite sure how many people will get up early to go shopping.

A few pictures

 

[mnasf]

Thanks so much for all of your help!

I went there from around Irvine back in late June 2006. We arrived at maybe 10:30 (aimed to be earlier--traffic wasn't AWFUL but we got a bit lost on the way). It wasn't busy at all until at least 11, maybe 11:30. We did spend most of our time in the historical section, which is often less popular than the "Today" section, though. (Depending on the timing of your trip, if a new historical doll is out, the Historical section could be very busy!)

I don't know how it is now--the store was a lot newer in 2006--but I'd guess store traffic patterns would still be fairly similar.

I'd think weekends would be busier, but I'm not quite sure how many people will get up early to go shopping.

A few pictures

 

[Eeee-va]

You're welcome!

If you want to eat there, don't forget to call well in advance for reservations. There's more info on seating (and some "sample menus") at http://www.americangirl.com/stores/location_la.php

You might also ask about getting a "Personal Shopper", who can help show you around the store and may give your girls little extras. Last I heard, they can even ring you up in a special back room area instead of having to wait in line. Hardcore fans/shoppers love their Personal Shoppers, but I've never had one.

(The new historical I alluded to should be coming out at the end of May, just FYI. )

Have a great time!

 

[c&m]

We're heading to American Girl next Saturday. What is the cost to having a personal shopper? Thanks very much!

 

[Eeee-va]

Having a personal shopper is completely free! As I understand it, they're not even allowed to take tips.

http://www.americangirl.com/stores/location_la.php

What is Personal Shopping about?
Let one of our shopping experts assist you with advice, ideas, purchases, and more. Call 1-877-247-5223 for an appointment. This complimentary service is available exclusively at American Girl Place.

Of course, you may end up spending more money on American Girl items with a Personal Shopper than without, so in that sense, it may not be free.