American Girl Scottsdale: Grand Opening

At long last, the Grand Opening for American Girl Scottsdale was Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23.

We were told during the soft opening tour that about 9,000 people were expected to attend the two-day Grand Opening. 

Scottsdale Quarter responded well to the demand. Free crafts, activities, photo ops, free chilled water, doll drawings, and entertainment were generously provided during the entire Grand Opening weekend.

A ticket system was used for the AGS Grand-Opening to manage guests' waiting times and observe fire-safety regulations. Each person (including children) who wished to enter the store received a ticket with an assigned group number.

We couldn't go Saturday because Momma had to work (phooey!) but we monitored the progress throughout the day. Ticket distribution began Saturday at 7 a.m. One grandmother (who began the line at 2 a.m.!) was the first and both her granddaughters received a free doll.

Group one entered the store at 9 a.m. Each person who entered the store got a free gift. (We got a book on Sunday, but I don't know if everyone got the same thing.)

Those who had higher numbered tickets could leave or shop elsewhere. Text alerts were sent out telling people when their group was up. To the best of my knowledge, 66 groups made it through the doors on Saturday before the crowd diminished enough for the ticketing system to be abandoned for the day.

Finally, Sunday was our turn!

We awoke early and made the 20 minute drive to Scottsdale Quarter. We arrived after the 8 a.m. ticketing began, but we still got group nine tickets!

We had our photo taken then Momma and My Big Sister played on the splash pad while I made friends. It wasn't long before it was 10 a.m. and first group was allowed in! After another 30-40 minutes it was our turn!

We were familiar with the store because we were there Wednesday, so we headed straight for Maryellen - which wasn't hard since she had the place of honor up front. (We were spoiled after practically having the place to ourselves on Wednesday, but it was exhilarating to be surrounded by other doll enthusiasts.)

We spent nearly an hour looking things (Maryellen) over and noting future purchases (Maryellen) before we decided to leave and make room for others.

We continued to monitor the store's progress, but the crowds were significantly reduced on Sunday. As far as I know, the tickets were abandoned after group 16 went in!

In conclusion, we love having an AG store so close to us. Yes, it's smaller but it has a nice assortment and we definitely like the emphasis on the historic/BeForever dolls.   

Well done, Scottsdale Quarter and American Girl Scottsdale. Well done.

You can Rest Assured we'll be back soon!!!