New American Girl Place opens in Chicago

Chicago no longer enjoys a monopoly on American Girl Place pilgrimages, now that additional outposts have opened up in Dallas, Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles (with new stores in Boston and Minneapolis coming soon).

But the city’s still a major mecca for doll-loving pre-teens and their parents, and it’s bound to remain that way as American Girl Place moves this week to larger digs in the former Lord & Taylor space at Water Tower Place.

The new home, surrounded by top Chicago hotels, restaurants and shops on North Michigan Avenue, is being promoted as an “experiential” store combining new attractions with familiar features from the old Chicago Avenue store.

Among the new offerings is the Celebration Screen, described as a “larger-than-life entertainment experience” where girls can share the spotlight with American Girl characters. Another new addition is an avenue of specialty shops with a variety of American Girl accessories.

American Girl Place will celebrate its grand opening with a variety of free activities throughout the weekend, including a book signing at 5 p.m. Saturday, October 4, with American Girl author Valerie Tripp.

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