I got a comment from AGDN reader Kat telling me that Rebecca was under "limited quantities" and asked me if she was going to be cubed. I decided to check the situation on Rebecca's page out to see if she is, and to be honest, I think she will be. I have four reasons as to why.
On American Girl's website, not only is the Rebecca doll under limited quantities, but a few items in her already-small collection are under limited quantities. There are only 11 items left, and 3 - the doll, Hanukkah outfit, and bed and bedding - are under limited quantities. Besides that, only her nightgown, menorah, kittens, Sabbath set, parlor table and accessories are available. The Parlor table is no longer available in stores, the Sabbath and Menorah sets are unavailable in all stores except the flagships and the nightgown isn't available in New York.
2. Rebecca hasn't been featured in AG marketing as much as she used to. She was removed from the American Girl Live tour for the 2023 tour, which kicks off next month, and she hasn't been promoted as much as she was back in 2019, when the historical line was relaunched and Rebecca was one of the core 6.
3. The American Girl store is starting to run out of space for new characters. Kaya doesn't even have a full display in the Charlotte store anymore because there are only 8 cases and they are all full - Rebecca, Claudie, Nanea, Maryellen, Melody, Julie, Courtney and Isabel/Nicki, and Molly and Kit have their own sections off on the side. If AG cubes Rebecca, Kaya can have her old spot back, and AG can make room for new characters.
4. Rebecca isn't the only Jewish Historical character anymore. While Nicki and Isabel are interfaith, they both are part Jewish and the opening of their book releasing new month has been confirmed to delve deeper into their Hanukkah celebrations. When Melody released as the second African American character in the BeForever lineup, Addy was cubed around that time because she wasn't the only one anymore, so I can see a similar situation happening with Rebecca.
What do you all think?
Hey, everyone, I have found a lot of shops on Etsy that specialize in 18 inch doll historical clothing, especially dresses designed for Rebecca, Samantha, and Claudie, which all look kind of alike because some of the different fashions for girls were very similar from 1900-1920. Some shops even specialize in bringing outfits from the original 6 book series illustrations to life. They are a little pricey, but often include free shipping. All in all, you spend about the same price as you would for an item from American Girl.
It’s sad, but I agree, I think it’s likely, especially considering the release of Nicki and Isabel. I get so frustrated with American Girl for repeatedly thinking they can replace an old character with newer ones with similar characteristics and features, and that fans will move right along and replace them in their hearts, which we all know isn’t how it works.
I absolutely love Rebecca.
I just had to post this photo of my Rebecca in her Hanukkah dress!
I hate how AG feels they can't have more than one POC or Jewish collection at a time. To be frank, Nicki and Isabel are hardly Jewish. I think Nanea will be next especially with the return of Molly. They are both from World War II, so I think AG feels like one can replace the other. Oh well...