An American Girl store in Columbus, Ohio, is set to close permanently in just a few days, reducing shopping choices for residents.
The store, situated at the Easton Center, has confirmed it will shut its doors for the last time on February 19.
American Girl Store Closure: Final Days Marked by Big Discounts
The store offers significant sales leading up to its last day, with 20% off on merchandise and a 50% discount on books.
In a statement, the company explained the closure as a strategic decision. "This tough choice was made as we aim to reshape our store network to align with our business goals and adapt to changes in customer shopping habits in a challenging retail landscape," the company stated.
The company also expressed gratitude towards its customers: "For over ten years, it's been our honor to be a part of this incredible community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our devoted customers in the Ohio region for their support."
The American Girl store at Easton opened its doors in June 2013. It was the 15th of its kind in the nation and marked the company's first venture in Ohio.
Spanning 11,400 square feet, the store on The Strand West was more than just a shop. It featured a cozy 24-seat restaurant, a doll salon, and a library. Additionally, it was home to a wide range of the company's signature 18-inch dolls, each with unique stories set in various historical periods.
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Fans React to American Girl Store Shift
Devoted fans expressed mixed emotions on an American Girl blog regarding the closure of one store and the opening of another. Many described the change as "bittersweet," reflecting their sadness and nostalgia.
Meanwhile, there's a significant update for the store in Dallas. The current Galleria Dallas location is set to relocate to the Shops at Park Lane. This existing Galleria store will close its doors on February 25, with plans to reopen at the new location shortly afterward.
The American Girl store in Columbus was much more than a retail spot for its well-known dolls, books, and accessories. It also served as a beloved destination for children's birthday parties, tea parties, and salon services.
The store's popular 18-inch dolls were priced at about $115, while the smaller Bitty Babies averaged around $99. Even after the store shuts down on February 19, customers can continue to purchase American Girl products through the company's website.
The Easton store is the newest addition to a series of American Girl store closures nationwide. Recent years have seen the shutdown of stores in Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, San Francisco, and Seattle, among others. Following the closure of the Columbus location, only eight American Girl stores will remain operational, as per the company's website.
Ohio's American Girl store is among numerous retailers experiencing closures this year. Walmart, a major player in the retail sector, closed at least 22 stores last year and is preparing to close another in Ohio on February 16.
This closure on South High Street in Columbus follows just days after Walmart shut down two of its California stores. According to Business Insider, the San Diego and El Cajon locations closed their doors on February 9.
In another notable closure, JCPenney is set to shut down its store at the Crystal Mall in Waterford, Connecticut.
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