Bye-bye American Girl: Doll store shutters Scottsdale location

PHOENIX – Arizona’s only American Girl doll store, which opened at Scottsdale Quarter to much fanfare in 2015, is closed for good.

“It has been our privilege to serve this community for the past five years, and we thank our customers for their loyalty and look forward to continuing our valued relationship with them,” Jamie Cygielman, American Girl general manager, said in a press release.

“While decisions that impact our associates, our customers, and the community are always difficult, the closure is a necessary step to optimize our store portfolio and accelerate our expanding e-commerce business.”

The Wisconsin-based maker of inclusive dolls, which has been owned by toy giant Mattel since 1998, said the closure will impact 26 employees, including 12 regular full- and part-time workers.

Arizona aficionados and collectors will have to get their fix at AmericanGirl.com or by traveling to one of the company’s 14 remaining stores nationwide. The closest option is in Los Angeles.

In addition to retail sales, American Girl stores have hosted birthday parties and events and done makeovers in their doll hair salons.

American Girl dolls debuted in 1986 with a line of historical characters representing girls ages 8-12, complete with books about their backstories and a selection of accessories.

Over the years, the company began producing dolls of varying ethnicities and backgrounds, each model with her own motivational story.

Customers can also order customized dolls that match their own appearance and style.

The dolls have also been the subject of theatrical, TV and direct-to-video movies.

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