American Girl Doll News

Westlake, Ohio!

Grace Thomas was a great selling doll. I know. I saw sales of her during my couple thousand (no, I'm joking) times at AGP Charlotte and my one times each at AGP Los Angeles and AGP Orlando that were really good. I bought her three times (one for myself, one for charity and one for eBay in a couple of years). Everybody loved her. But one day at the American Girl Brainstorm Room, one person said, "Oh my goodness! Grace is selling so good! Let's make next year's GOTY travel out of the country, too!" And so Lea was born. And I am not the first to say that she is adorable. But is it just me, or Lea isn't selling well? I know for myself. I go to the AGP Charlotte with my dad every week on Saturdays. When I went on Saturdays in 2015, I always observed the Grace section (and I always observe the Lea section too!). When I peeked, there was always like, 10 girls buying Grace dolls, and tons more at the doll hair salon/bistro/getting carried around. Now, I notice that there are only a few Leas getting carried around, none at the doll hair salon and about one to two at the bistro. And if there is a doll purchase, it's a Truly Me or a BeForever gang. I only see a Lea getting picked out once every 4-5 visits. And that is zero. I know that Saturday mornings aren't the AGP's peak (I mean, getting up at 10 am to visit the AGP isn't the average person's favorite thing!), but I think Lea is less popular. And my verdict why? She's too similar to other GOTYs. As noted in this collage, Lea and Grace look like the only relationship they could have are friends, classmates, or maybe even one of those cousins that they never heard about. But, their story is a bit similar. AG's big theme for Lea's collection is Lea's Brazil vacation, and AG's theme for Grace's is her Paris vacation. So, pretty much someone wasn't creative in the AG Brainstorm Room leading to this disaster of a GOTY money train. Plus, they both have snack stands (but Lea's is a bit more healthier, hint hint.) Look at the left section of the collage above. Now, look at this image of Kanani. They are pretty similar, and Kanani was flying from the shelves. No kidding. Anything that is Hawaiian flies off the shelves. (Not saying this would be a good idea for another GOTY, AG.) In both looks and collection. Yeah, the shave ice stand and the fruit stand. And Jess. Yeah, the kayak was Jess's first. And she went to Belize. And Marisol. Lookwise. Isabelle's her story thief. So, in conclusion, Lea's not a good seller. But, it's not just Lea. American Girl's sales overall have been dropping since 2013, and the Girl of the Year plays a huge role in the sales. My verdict again: The Girls of the Year have been too similar. Here's a bit of data that shows elements the GOTYs have been borrowing since 2013. SAIGE (2013): Red, curly hair, freckles, Classic mold and love for horses (plus horse) from Nicki and art love from Chrissa. ISABELLE (2014): Blond hair, hazel eyes and Classic mold from Lanie, dance love (plus 20 ballet outfits) from Marisol. GRACE (2015): Brown hair, blue eyes, freckles and side bangs from Lindsey, Josefina mold from Chrissa, international vacation from Jess and shave ice stand (reworked into a pastry cart) from Kanani. LEA (2016): Above. So, here's a informercial to American Girl: "Hi, people who work at a AGP who read this blog! Tell your bosses to tell their boss to e-mail sydneymadisonnetwork@gmail.com to have a great selling Girl Of The Year. You are welcome."

Find out here: Shocked? Comment below your thoughts.

I found my interview with Notlim Taylor (Ella in Grace Stirs Up Success) from January on Instagram DM! YAY! If any of you read my blog back then, you can look again, but if you are new to the AGDN gang, you can read this! (AGDN- Me and NT-Notlim Taylor) ADGN: What was your reaction to getting the role of Ella? NT: I was so excited to be apart of such an exciting project. It sounded like it would be an amazing experience! I loved the characters- they reminded me of my friends in real life. And I even made new friends on set, which was great! ADGN: What was your favorite scene to film? NT: My favorite scene was when we all work together to fix the bakery! And seeing Bonbon. AGDN: Do you have a Grace doll? NT: I have 2 AGDN: Did you actually make all of the cupcakes in the bake sale scene? NT: We went to a real bakery and had the practice time to make cupcakes but no, we didn't make them. AGDN: Are you sad that Grace is retired? NT: I am a little sad that Grace and the gang are gone but I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to work with such amazing actors and friends. I was so blessed and thankful I got to be apart of something so inspiring and motivating. Thank you Notlim! COMMENT DISCUSSION QUESTION: Do you think we should try to interview someone from Lea To The Rescue? If so, who?

Another prototype is what I found! This one is one of the dress that comes with Samantha's Holiday Set. Is it just me or it's better than the original? I know that Samantha has SO MUCH PINK, but I love this! Here's some more photos: QUESTION OF THE POST: What did you do at school today? MY ANSWER: We did EOG Test prep (for my out-of-state friends, that stands for the End Of Grade Test). I got a 100% on a reading assignment!

I took photos of the new release at the AGP Charlotte last week and forgot to post them until today. This display shows off the Spirit Squad Outfit, the Pomperanian Puppy and the Doll Sports book. I already have the Pomperanian, as a friend got it for me from Costco for my tenth birthday last year, but I changed my mind about the new cheerleading outfit. It actually is good quality and I might ask for it for Christmas. This display shows off the Stars And Stripes Set, the Apricot Poodle Puppy (not new) and the Doll Sports book. I got the puppy for Christmas last year and I adore her. I am asking for the Stars and Stripes set for Christmas, because it is awesome! Swimming and gymnastics in one is awesome. This display shows off Lea's new stuff, the celebration outfit and the beach picnic set. I already have the celebration outfit and love it (highly reccomended). The beach picnic set is cute, I might get it. Ta-da! The new releases. QUESTION OF THE POST: Did you get anything from the release? My answer: I did! I got Lea's Celebration Outfit.

Right now I am going to try to leak Tenney (GOTY 2017). I'll try for a hour before I give up. While you wait, go to Cool Math Games and play some games on there! My personal favorites are Coffee Shop, the Papa games and Duck Life. QUESTION OF THE POST: Who is your favorite GOTY and why? MY ANSWER: I have to say Grace is my favorite because I have her whole world (minus those dang sell-out-early Paris Accessories). I also like Lea, Marisol, Isabelle, Chrissa and Lanie. QUESTION 2 IF THE GAMES DON'T HELP THE WAITING: If you went to a alternate universe where you could get any retired doll you want for free, what one would you get? MY ANSWER: There's so many to choose from! If it was only historicals, I would pick Marie-Grace. If it was only GOTYs, I would pick ethier McKenna or Kailey. If it was only Truly Me, I would pick number 48 for sure.

Today is Maryellen's birthday! She was born this day in 1945- she is 71 today! In her books, Maryellen has a show to raise money for the polio vaccine for kids who can't afford it. It is a success, encourages a couple of kids to get a polio shot, and the result is that Maryellen can ride in the mayor's convertible in the Memorial Day parade. What are you doing for Maryellen's birthday? When I go to the American Girl store in a few hours, I will say happy birthday to all of the Maryellen dolls and when I get home I'll play outside with my Maryellen doll (she loved playing outside as much as I do)

This is the end, this is the end! THIS IS THE END! I am going to borrow my friend's dolls so my collection of virtual dolls will grow! #VirtualDolls

Never let a six year old touch Kanani. Thank goodness I "almost" fixed her. #VirtualDolls

I love April. She is one of my favorites. I'm writing a book about her backstory because April is my favorite Truly Me doll. #VirtualDolls

After a long wait, I present you with the final four Virtual Dolls! #VirtualDolls