American Girl Doll- Columbus
When Kristen and I found out last September that an American Girl doll store was opening in Columbus in the "Summer of 2013," we knew we'd be making a journey to Columbus for the grand opening. Around April, the company announced the opening date, June 22, 2013 in Easton. Knowing how popular the brand is and how many families would flock to Columbus, we made hotel reservations and drove up to Columbus on June 21, last Friday.
When we arrived on Friday, we decided we'd eat dinner at Easton and check out where the store would be (we'd already done this once in March when the store was under construction so we pretty much already knew where it would be). We ate dinner at Piada (or rather the four of us did- Kristen, Giovanna, Abby and I- Alyssa wouldn't touch her buttered noodles because there was a green herb on them) and then walked around until we found the store. Much to our surprise, it was open! It was opened as part of a "soft opening." We shopped there some and found out details about the Grand Opening the next day. Beginning at 7:00 AM, tickets would be distributed that would give an approximate time that you'd be able to enter the store.
So.... fast forward to EARLY the next morning, I arrived at Easton at about 5:50 AM. I was about the 100th in line. When I got to the ticket area around 7:30, I was told we would be able to shop between 9:00 (the opening) and 10:00 am. That was good news. I was able to get tickets for all of us and then headed back to the hotel where Kristen was getting the girls ready. We had breakfast and then headed back to Easton. We were about to get into the store when we arrived- about 9:10. The girls were so excited. They each received a free gift (an AG book). Abby had brought some of her own money. She bought Saige's Painting set. I bought Saige's accessory set for Abby. Abby also got a sweatshirt for her doll. Alyssa got the school desk set, a bathing suit and a bag. There may have been more... I honestly don't remember. The store was packed; the girls had their pictures taken numerous times and were interviewed just outside the store. Their interviews were published in a Columbus Dispatch video.
The day couldn't have gone much better. I'm thrilled that we were there for the opening of the Columbus American Girl doll store.
The girls at the "soft opening" of the store on Friday
Alyssa and Giovanna look at a display
Abby in front of Saige's horse
The girls goof off with their dolls in Piada
The merchants of Easton were happy to welcome girls and their dolls!
We saw a mime in front of the AG store
Kinda cool; kinda creepy
The BIG DAY!!
With a doll in their hands and a spring in their steps...
...they find themselves at the store!!
Lookin' around
Getting their pics snapped by the pap
Abby in front of a Julie display
Alyssa in front of a Saige display
When we arrived on Friday, we decided we'd eat dinner at Easton and check out where the store would be (we'd already done this once in March when the store was under construction so we pretty much already knew where it would be). We ate dinner at Piada (or rather the four of us did- Kristen, Giovanna, Abby and I- Alyssa wouldn't touch her buttered noodles because there was a green herb on them) and then walked around until we found the store. Much to our surprise, it was open! It was opened as part of a "soft opening." We shopped there some and found out details about the Grand Opening the next day. Beginning at 7:00 AM, tickets would be distributed that would give an approximate time that you'd be able to enter the store.
So.... fast forward to EARLY the next morning, I arrived at Easton at about 5:50 AM. I was about the 100th in line. When I got to the ticket area around 7:30, I was told we would be able to shop between 9:00 (the opening) and 10:00 am. That was good news. I was able to get tickets for all of us and then headed back to the hotel where Kristen was getting the girls ready. We had breakfast and then headed back to Easton. We were about to get into the store when we arrived- about 9:10. The girls were so excited. They each received a free gift (an AG book). Abby had brought some of her own money. She bought Saige's Painting set. I bought Saige's accessory set for Abby. Abby also got a sweatshirt for her doll. Alyssa got the school desk set, a bathing suit and a bag. There may have been more... I honestly don't remember. The store was packed; the girls had their pictures taken numerous times and were interviewed just outside the store. Their interviews were published in a Columbus Dispatch video.
The day couldn't have gone much better. I'm thrilled that we were there for the opening of the Columbus American Girl doll store.
The girls at the "soft opening" of the store on Friday
Alyssa and Giovanna look at a display
Abby in front of Saige's horse
The girls goof off with their dolls in Piada
The merchants of Easton were happy to welcome girls and their dolls!
We saw a mime in front of the AG store
The BIG DAY!!
...they find themselves at the store!!
Getting their pics snapped by the pap
Abby in front of a Julie display
Comments
Post a Comment