Fake, out!
Dear American Girl Place,
You promise that “lessons of love, friendship, courage, compassion, and tolerance are at the heart of every American Girl story." Please read on, to find out how right you are!
Thank you so much! I was really struggling out here in impoverished brownstone Brooklyn, trying to figure out how to explain to my six-year old daughter about the
importance of labels, and of the superiority of expensive things.
Etta had heard from pals at (public) school that American Girl Dolls were just fabulous, but when we looked at the website and saw the prices, we warned her that if she really really wanted one for Christmas, she wouldn’t be able to get too many fun doll accessories and other stuff. Plus, she has a 3 year old sister, and it would have been really hard to find a way to sit on top of Piper for the next three years to keep her from touching the impeccable and thoughtfully priced American Girl Doll.
Silly Etta, she chose to spend her own money (a mere $29.99!) a few weeks before Christmas last year, on an 18-inch doll at Target. The doll’s name is Gracie, and she came with a ballet outfit and several clever accessories.
You’d think the doll would be extra special for her because she earned every penny she paid for it, and you know what? You’d be right! It was special! She loved it. And she got another one for Christmas (named Robin) and her three year old sister got her very own Target doll too. Named Vicki, I think (but who can keep track of these random names, those dolls didn’t even come with books!). We weren’t so worried about the damage Piper would inflict on her cheap doll. We actually thought her doll was kind of cute (again, silly us!).
Poor thing, Etta thought she was lucky to have all of these great dolls--and she had loads of fun dressing them, carting them around, treating them like special little baby dolls. How on earth were we going to explain to her that her dolls weren’t REAL dolls and didn’t deserve her love and affection?
What were we going to do?!
American Girl Place to the rescue!
When her friend Julie invited her to go to the American Girl Place to have her doll’s hair styled, Etta was thrilled. “Come spend a day you’ll never forget!” the website promised. And boy did you deliver.
Frommers Guide to New York says “don’t forget to bring [your] favorite doll so it can get a makeover at the store’s own doll salon.” I know it’s craaaaazy that a Target fake (that cost only $29.99 of Etta’s real saved money!) would be her favorite doll but it was.
At least it used to be.
Back when she thought it was real.
She’ll never forget the feeling of waiting in line at the salon. The anticipation, the special feelings welling up in her body. She’d spent extra time in the morning dressing Gracie for the outing. Etta dressed extra-pretty too. Well, sort of thrift-store pretty. Hand-me-down pretty. Not expensive pretty. But she went off with her head held high. Feeling pretty and important and deserving. Courageous little girl.
When she got to the front of the line she was shown a menu of hairstyles to choose from for her doll. Her friend’s mom was surprised that the price had gone up from $10 a doll to $20, but Julie had earned this reward (and, as luck would have it, Etta really needed to learn a lesson), so it would be worth it.
“This isn’t a real doll!” the stylist exclaimed. (Thank your stylist!--we never would have had the heart to explain it that way!). And to prove that a fake doll isn’t worth the plastic she’s molded out of, she refused to do the doll’s hair.
I’m not sure exactly what’s in it for your company, because you still stood to make $20 off of my daughter for doing the fake doll’s hair. I have two thoughts on that. Either her $20 wasn’t worth the same as someone else’s $20 (in which case I’ve learned something new too!) OR it was worth the $20 to you to be able to be the one to break the news to, I mean, to *enlighten* my little girl. You do promise to teach little girls, don’t you?
And she cried and cried and cried, and your stylist held her ground. That was a good lesson for her too. That feelings don’t have a place in "the heart of Manhattan’s prestigious shopping neighborhood" (another quote from your website).
And did you realize how loyal to you all the other mommies in line were? You’d have been proud of them.
One chided Etta for not knowing she couldn’t bring a fake doll to the store. Tsk tsk. She’s in first grade now and can read by herself (taught herself, in fact). She probably should have done the research. There’s another great lesson for her. (Thanks mom in line!)
One mom muttered to another that Etta probably couldn't afford a real one. Great hunch! She's six!
One mom just smiled and said "Well, American Girl Dolls aren’t for everyone, you know.” A sentence cleverly crafted to make Etta feel like someone cared about her but also to be aware that she really didn’t belong there in your fancy store with the other, richer, better girls. How compassionate!
So, another little girl had a life-changing experience at The American Girl Place!
Hooray for you!
To think, she might have gotten through first grade with her self-confidence intact!
As a former personal shopper at FAO Schwarz (the big one on 5th Avenue!), I know that rules can always be bent, and on-the-spot judgement calls are allowed. In some places, they actually have a ‘customer is always right,’ mentality. Ridiculous!
You’re no fool, American Girl Place! You’re in this to educate little girls. And educate Etta you did. She knows she’s inferior now. Knows her dolls are worthless. Knows her feelings don’t matter. Knows that fake dolls (even fake dolls willing to shell out $20 for an up-do!) won’t be tolerated.
You say that at American Girl, a girl "chooses the friend that’s just right for her--with a story true to the character or one she creates all her own.” I can’t wait to see how Etta adjusts her own self-image to match what she’s learned about her worthless doll!
As promised, her experience at your store gave her "memories she’ll cherish forever." You cared enough to realize that there’s a limit to what I can teach her at home and you rushed in and offered up some good old-fashioned and completely unforgettable public humiliation!
Good job!
Forever grateful,
Etta’s mom.
1,041 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 601 – 800 of 1041 Newer› Newest»As a kindergarten teacher, I ache for Etta, and all the precious little girls whose hearts are saddened by materialism and self supporting rites. As the founder of Doll Clothes
Superstore, I would like to send
Etta clothes, shoes and hair accessories of her choice. I cannot take away her hurt but hopefully she will find hours of play and the belief that not all adults are heartless.
I am 13 years old and I love American Girl. I just refused to believe the stylist did that when I first read your story. Then I read another article and realized your story is not true. American Girl says they hadn't heard of this episode until people started writing in complaning. The stylist being cruel to your daughter?? They would never do such a thing! Apparently you weren't even with Etta so how come you quote other mother's comments?!!!
They have a good reason for only doing AG dolls hair because the hair styles are designed for the dolls and the company is doing the styling, not a random person.
I am so outraged that you have hurt the company in this way, hundreds of people will not be buying their products!!! SHAME!!!!!!!!!!! I could scream and punch you because American Girl means so much to me and I hate to see that you have done such a wicked thing to them.
EVERYONE NOTE...THE STORY IS FAKE!! IT IS A RUMOUR!!! AN EXTREMELY CRUEL RUMOUR AND A HORRIBLE THING TO DO!!!!
To all the mothers and little girls
American Girl place is the biggest scam and i feel ashamed for being apart of such a horrible place, for i used to work there in the photo studio. i heard about the Etta story when it happened i was outraged. Managers just laughed its really ticked me off. We weren't even allowed to photo other dolls if they weren't American Girl dolls ( how stupid) Making girls feel less then the other spoiled ones. So i personally would like to apologize to all the children who had to experience that. I no longer am apart of that company and i couldn't be happier i wanted to work with children, it was all about the experience so i was told and i felt good helping to make that experience. Soon learned not everyone could have that "great" experience. So American girl place NewYork this is for you, why don't you losers leave little innocent girls alone.
Stop playing the victim parents! Why would you send your child to this store in the first place with a fake doll. Little Mindy purchase the doll with her own money..would you send a fake Barbie to Matel and ask them to repair her? No you wouldn't. Say no thank you to the offer to go with a friend. Take some personal responsiblity. This store is in business to sell dolls not service Target's merchandise. STOP PLAYING THE VICTIM AND BLAME YOURSELF FOR ONCE! THE KID WILL BE FINE!
And that my dear friends is how companys go out of busness...
I think that stylist did the right thing.When I read the comments of people crying over this made me want to laugh at them! You can't go into a doll store with a FAKE doll and expect them to do her hair. I think Etta's mom is a great mom for doing that.
Holy god. I've never read such a...
FAKE STORY IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!
There's no effing way this happened. American Girl is one of the greatest companies I've ever purchased from.
those of you who believed this story, I laugh at you.
yyyyyyy
Good Job! :)
This is very sad, but some of you need to understand it was THAT stylist. Not American Girl itself. I am an avid collector of American Girl, and quite "poor". When I was a little girl, I saved for a year to get my first American Girl doll, because saving $100 was more than just saving $30 to me. While what the stylist did was wrong, don't blame American Girl for what their stylist and some of the customers said and did. And, have you thought that maybe the stylist wouldn't do Gracie hair because the money wasn't sent there. Perhaps she didn't think it was allowed. So before you point fingers, you should consider all possiblities. .
So sad... :( I like American Girl but I won't take my doll to the salon... so sad, I can't believe they did that, a doll is just like any other doll. It really dosen't matter on what kind of doll. Tell Etta (and Gracie)to feel better.
I don't really know if this is true but, don't blame American Girl, it's the stylist's fault... DON'T TAKE DOLLS THAT ARE FAKE DOLLS TO A DOLL STYLIST! OR TO TAKE OTHER THAN AMERICAN GIRL DOLLS TO THE AMERICAN GIRL DOLL SALON.
I really ache for Etta, I hope later in life she will become a proud girl and will stand up for what she believes in. This is just sad those other moms... well I just hope they feel sorry and that the stylist says sorry... a big sorry. I feel sorry for Etta (and Gracie). A doll is a doll. Any doll is just as special as any other.
Feel better, Etta!
This story SO resonated with me. I've been a nobody with nothing to recommend me all my life ... my pastor once described me as a "second line girl" because my parents were divorced ... that meant I wasn't as good as the girls in our church whose parents had stayed together although they hated the sight of one another! For years I believed his unkind characterization. I don't believe it anymore and I drilled into my four children that they are neither better than nor worse than anyone, and that it behooves them to reach out and show kindness and acceptance to those NOT invited to the party. And re: toys, I dug in my heels as they were growing up and refused to buy my kids whatever the latest, "cool" toys were. They got generic toys from Wal-Mart and never the popular ones. I filled in the gaps with good books. I have four wonderful and well-rounded adult children to show for my trouble.
To Etta: Chin Up, Chickie! All that glitters isn't gold, darling.
I think American girls have its own value. The hair stylist and some mommies comments are terrible. I definely will talk back to them to protect my little girl's feeling. But as a mom, should we read the details and check it out before we take our little girl to this situation? The anger is that a bit from you cannot afford the dolls? Try to be fair and tell your daughter the truth too.
My daughter has her bitty babies since she was 3 yr old and only play with that doll. I think average out 3 year time, the money spent still worth. I prefer she play with bitty rather than barbie. Certainly, we do what we can afford. But there is situations we can avoid to hurt their own feelings if we as parents being more sensitive. They are too little to learn such big lesson.
But at the end, they will be fine.
1st, of all I just wanted to point out to all that are still posting on here that this happened over a year ago, and after several offers of Free Stuff for both Etta and her doll, Etta would now be at least 7 years old; almost 8: and has more than likely gained some extra free gifts that more than make up for the lack of hairdo, (a great lesson that; teaching your kid that complaining a bunch gets you free stuff) so much for all that consumerism crap and how elitist american girl is. Her mother probably made this post hoping to get offers for reduced price items: but doesn't that teach your little girl that her happiness can be bought just as much as it would have had you originally bought her the 'real' doll? mommy get angry, pout, frown, and complain alot and you will get a bunch of gifts???? thats just the lesson i want my little girl to learn. be a whining crybaby and get everything you want. Somehow, I think she would have learned a better lesson simply 'earning' money to help offset the cost of a 'real' doll; and then taking that doll to the store for a hairdo......or more than likely there is always Fantastic Sam's or some other human hairstylist ready and willing to comb doll hair.... I can't speak for matell american girl dolls, but i have a Samantha Doll I am saving for my 1 year old, and it is almost 18 years old now and still in great shape. we are also gifting our daughter a Bitty baby for this christmas (a preloved one but she will be too little to care that it is not new; and in the long run, it will be more loved for having been an heirloom.) I don't believe that i am consumerist watching craigslist for cheap used bitty baby clothes..... Nor do i think my daughter will value her doll less just because at one time it was really expensive. Mostly I appreciate the craftsmanship and knowing that after all this time they are still nice dolls, just my thoughts, thanks!!!!
readin this story i DID start to cry, OF LAUHTER!!
THIS IS SOOOO STUPID!!!!all of u mothers who are bagging in american girl and saying how bad of an example all of the other moms who were bein mean to "Etta," ur the ones setting a bad example for UR children, and sterieo typing the people who buy thse doll is verry hurtfull being one of those people! o n congrats to Etta- her mom is a connceded, lying, boitch!
That story is so sad! I mean, it isn't a 'fake' doll! It's the exact same thing as "real" dolls-they have outfits, accessories, hair you can brush, and so on-that hair stylist so go to h-e-double hockey sticks. Breaking a little girl's heart like that! And I do agree American Girl doll prices are crazy and unreasonable. There is nothing wrong with her doll. It's probably better. One of these days I am going to create a doll store where only 'fake' dolls are allowed and American Girl dolls aren't. That whole situation is just plain horrible. :(
Honestly, I would rather have a fake doll, barbie, or an american girl doll than a bratz doll. Bratz dolls look like sl-tz and don't have feet. What do bratz dolls teach our girls... to look cute and yeah. Other dolls do, so if you want to complain about a doll factory... complain about bratz dolls. But don't complain about american girl dolls or barbies.
About what I said before.. coment before other dolls do have feet and do teach our girls about being kind.
I was told in the AG magazine that AG is so cool and so super so nice and that you are the best person in the world if you were an AG lover! AG sucks! Literally! How stupid! If they are so nice and kind to others why can't they do a different doll? AG is the worst 'club' in the world. I don't think it should even be a club! This is what I say about AG:
:( You should be ashamed of yourself! You teach other girls about being nice and treat others kindly. But look at you! Your a hipacrit! Yeah! Your little lies are over!
Like I said AG sucks!
This is part of the story:
“This isn’t a real doll!” the stylist exclaimed. (Thank your stylist!--we never would have had the heart to explain it that way!). And to prove that a fake doll isn’t worth the plastic she’s molded out of, she refused to do the doll’s hair.
What is the matter with this stupid stylist!
If you know the name of this stylist or it has happened to you tell this website that I am on right now!
AG sucks!
What the heck!
I don't want an AG doll and ESPECIALLY not ever go to the place that stylist works at!
Other dolls are better than that!
Tell the six year old that I say 'Hi!' and "I am so SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO Sorry about what happened!"
That is just so horrible what happened!
AG just want's the money!
AG doesn't care about anything else but MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AG is the worst thing ever!
They said "Be kind" and other CRAP like that! They lie!
AG prices for dolls are ridiculous and outragous!
Then the amount of money for the stylist to do the hair!
They should be happy about people wanting to go there and pay that outragous and ridiculous price!
And I mean it!
I will write all I can about this bull crap that stylist put on!
And any doll is a doll!
AG doll or not!
It's still a doll!
Don't go to any AG STORES!
Or pay for any of the dolls!
They just want money!
I can just see them laughing and saying "They fell for it!" to the bank!
I can't believe what they did!
I know I wrote alot but I believe that it is sooooooooooooooooooo true! Don't you?
AG lied about every nice thing that they did and we should too!
Dont believe everything you read. Most of this story is fake. I know I was there. Please trust me when I say if it was a 100% true story I would have been OUTRAGED!!!!! But it is not and I am so sick of people being fooled by this
American Girl dolls are too prissy and proud, and it's not like they're Dolce & Gabana, a "real" brand name. (I know, off topic, not even selling dolls) but they are way too expensive. They aren't even "finely crafted". When I was a kid (still am), my 3 dollar stuffed bunny had me going for hours. ALL THIS QUEERDO COMPANY WANTS IS MONEY, MONEY AND MONEY! Yes, me too... I am a fellow eleven year old... I just had to say. Sorry if this offends anyone.
American Girl Dolls are made for people with an excess of money and a dearth of imagination and your little girl Etta should be proud that her doll is indeed a real doll (as opposed to a "real" doll), as her doll was bought and paid for honestly, the hard way and invested with the imagination of a little girl who chose her own doll to create an identity and backstory for on her own.
She has just been introduced to the capitalistic bullying that is a component of artificial exclusivity, which is based on marketing rather than on true value.
Check out this little 18" beauty, slimmer and more elegant than the portly AGs Madame Alexander: Real Dolls for Real Girls: this is an eBay listing for one of the best 18" play dolls available, made by the oldest continuously-operating doll company in the United States (we might even say in the Americas). Not many people know that tradtionally, all well-brought up little girls had a Madame Alexander Doll; the others were considered newcomers, imitations, and for the blue collar masses.
Please pardon me for saying these things -- I am not sniffing at the blue collar masses, just those of them who make snide comments like, "Hmmpf, probably couldn't afford one of these." Nouveau-riche Biedermeiers who "know the price of everything and the value of nothing."
This post affords me the opportunity to point out that "traditionally, all well-brought up little girls have a Madame Alexander," as it is something one does not say in public, for fear of making someone who doesn't know that feel bad. It is, however, something that should be made public to counter the insidious "Hmmpf, probably can't afford one of these [monstrosities]" mentality."
The Alexander Dolls were always expensive and were also not heavily marketed. One was not paying for the marketing but for the quality of the doll.
Today, Madame Alexander has produced some lovely little playdolls, and the 18" girl doll is one of those; again, retail, they are not inexpensive, although you can get them reasonably on eBay: they've been discontinued. Too few people today trust their own taste and judgement in the face of what marketers tell them, and marketers tell them that the American Girl is the doll to have. Gak.
I bought a couple of Our Generation Dolls by Battat (what your daughter has?) to have one the same size as the AG. I would not think of spending that amount of money on a mass-produced piece of marketing genius. I would not have bought a doll that size at all, however, were it not for the people standing in line with fistfulls of money for the AG. I needed a fitting model so that I could test out clothes to make sure they fit the AG. I sell on eBay.
Since that time, however, I have also come to realize that many of the AG buyers can't make a move unless it is an official AG one, as in purchasing clothing. Grandmothers, however, are another story. The best thing to come out of the run on the AG dolls is that, because the clothing is so expensive, moms, aunts, and grandmothers are sewing doll clothes again, as we did in the past.
I hope that your little girl's doll will find herself outfitted with the nicest, most beautiful, hand made clothes -- Doll Couture, my dear, not OTR (gasp!)!
(one more note, another lovely 18" doll are the Magic Attic Club dolls, who also have books with their stories in them and have a much nicer face and body than the AG type: they are slimmer and their head is more in proportion to a fifth-grader's body. The AG, at at 4-1/2' or 54" tall, about the size of a 5th-grader, would be a 1:3 scale doll, which means her waist would be a whopping . . .
well, a picture is worth a thousand words. On this page here (http://www.justmagicdolls.com/meet/westcoastkids/westcoastkids.htm), scroll down to see photos of body comparisons between the West Coast Kids (more expensive than the American Girl, so "Hmmmph" to the snide motha in line, feeling so foolish wondering why she was there and why she had spent all that money when a nicer-looking doll that wasn't a "real" doll was within range of a child's savings that she just had to snipe), Magic Attic Dolls, and what can be plainly seen to be rather Neanderthalish, an American Girl doll.
Plus, the older Magic Attic Dolls have click-n-bend knees, so much more fun for posing.
I'd love a West Coast Kid, but for now, I am happy with Mattel's 16" jointed Teen Trends Dolls.
As to my most expensive doll, it is a Dollfie Dream -- I couldn't afford a Super Dollfie, the same size, so I got the DD for an eighth the cost and painted and wigged her myself; her body was what got me in the first place -- not a doll for children. The 22" Super Dollfies go for $1200 and up (so "Hmmmpfh" once again) and there is an exclusivity to those: they have adoption ceremonies in Japan and special parties for SD owners, much more exclusive than the AG "do"s in malls at the customer's expense. Sorry, I just had to put exclusivity into perspective here, back to that exclulslive club of blue collar nouveau-riche price of everything and value of nothing lot.
Too bad your little girl didn't have at the tip of her tongue for the sniper, "Yes, a fool and his money are soon parted.," with a sweet smile. Hey anybody, how about an anti-merchandising movie in which the cool kids all have things that are unique and the plastic fantastics all have the same thing and try to bully the other kids into wanting it too . . . . (The American Girl Movie is coming out soon).
This is so long that I'm going to have to move it on over to my blogspot here, which I opened while participating in Project Dollway online last Fall and Winter.
I really must stop here; I went to find out what kind of doll hair AG uses and stumbled across this looking to see what kind of synthetic hair American Girl Dolls have, and so far all I have found is "There hair is made out of really good fake hair (it's suposed to be made out of the best kind of fake hair that there is. Or so I've heard)." Ahhh the power of marketing.
It seems to be just plain old nylon, which is used on most dolls. Saran, which I love, has a weight to it like real hair and is smooth and shiny, like a waterfall of hair. My Fleur Delacourt doll (customized Susie from RanD or R&D doll makers) has beautiful white saran hair that flows like a waterfall down her back, just as it was described in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Last, there is Kanekalon hair, a "wrinkly" and a smooth, which I use for rooting dolls' hair.
Actually I get hair from all sorts of places, as long as it looks and feels good, I trust my own judgement (and some background research before I try it).
Now, that all said, I suggest that you, mom, hold a nice Dolly Tea Party at your home. Spend some time collecting small dishes for the dolls and the girls, and they don't have to match and really shouldn't be Spiderman Paper Party Plates or any such brand mass-production nonsense -- nice little ceramic and porcelain items. If you have silver or silver plate, use that too. Prepare some fun finger sandwiches, fancy frilly cookies, hit the bakery for some special nice cookies -- more adult than child cookies. Aim for grown up girls' sophistication.
Embroidered or appliqued napkins, white linen or cotton w, embroidery or applique (shabby chic stuff). Flowers on the table, and a bunch of books that star dolls, like Dare Wright's Books, Edith The Lonely Doll and others; maybe a Magic Attic Book. Maybe a photo album of your daughter's doll visiting different places . . . go one-up on all the bs.
Have the girls do a little sewing project for their dolls.
Think old-fashioned, real, personal, natural, sunlight and girly.
Be sure to invite your daughter's friend with the AG doll -- the beauty behind thio ugly experience is that the brand of doll made no difference to the girls; it was simply the shared love between them and for their dolls.
See if you can round up four to six girls for (weak) tea with milk.
Last, the reason I was researching exactly what kind of hair the AG dolls have is that I put together a booklet on Doll Hair care plus some clean up tips as I saw a lot of people looking to give old Barbies new life. Then I saw the outrageous exclusivity "It can only be done here" nonsense of the American Girl Dolls, who seem to actually have rather weak heads, heads that damage easily: I have seen numerous people needing replacement heads for them and trying to find a less costly fix for the repair process which entails shipping to the hospital and back, at least a six-week stay,
and the purchase of a whole new whatever -- head in this case -- rather than a repair. Add to that an outrageous price tag for repair of something that shouldn't damage easily. For the "Hmmpfh she probably couldn't afford it" types with more money than taste or tact, so what. A sucker is born every minute.
Hoever, little girls see other little girls who become infected with that virus and then begin to desire the dolls too -- for no reason other than "so and so has one and [boasts] about it." Parents then pony up for one and then grandma wants to buy some outfits and sees the price and decides to sew some and then is desperately looking for a "cheap used" one . . . and on and on.
Seeing those nice people looking for help led me into checking out the AG dolls to see if all I knew about restoring vinyl and/or resin dolls and their hair would be applicable; if it were, I could help a lot of people save money and gain knowledge and power and at the same time get a small amount of the money swirling around these dolls in return for expertise.
Alison Wonderland's Home Doll Spa Booklet: Dedicated to Putting Knowledge in Your Hands to Enrich Your Life, Not Corporate Pockets
My doll spa instructions have been going well on eBay, and they come with free technical support (from me) as well as updates, and today I was double checking the AG hair. I've experimented on two Battat dolls and their hair is gorgeous.
The first doll I ever restored hair on was a Barbie I found across the alley from a nursery school, trashed with about six other dolls who had all been lying there in the rain and wind and sun for a while. If I can restore that, I can restore anything, I figured.
So "one of those horrible moms," send me an email, contact me through my blog here on blogger.com
I might be able to come up with something nice for your girl and her doll, would love to, actually, to welcome her to the larger community of real doll people, a community that is so exclusive that no one even knows it is.
I suppose you could just explain that that was not a real person, just some corporate drone . . . .
I really do think that barbies are still the best doll in the world. Bratz dolls want girls to dress like sl-tz and other people. But being a kid I don't care if those are the hotest dolls and stuff like that. You need to find dolls that will represent you. Not what you make believe. Even though barbie has everything bratz has way more. So if you are going to complain about a doll- complain about bratz. I'm sorry that this is not about AG but this has to get to moms. Bratz dolls tell your daughters to dress and act like sl-tz. Also, if you try putting tanned feet on a no tanned doll it looks totally weird. Complain about bratz dolls!
Bratz dolls are evil!!!!
wow. i have been to the american girl place and usually stylists and workers tolerate this sort of thing. american girl place should be ashamed of this behavior. and to all the moms in line, your spoiled daughters are learning a lot from u.
Ettas mom should send a complaint to AG for this encounter. So much for "memories she will cherish forever." if ppl speak out about this etta will (hopefully) get the apology she deserves
WOW! I am shocked and terribly upset by what happened to your daughter. If I would have been there that day I would have been slapping some of those women for what they said! At the point where your daughter was crying the stylist should have let it slide. I am outraged and if I knew your name I would call AG and demand they send BOTH of your kids a doll for humilliating your sweet innocent baby! I'm disgusted and sorry we own their products!
Can you PLEASE go into the store and demand that woman get fired!!!!!! PLEASE
Tell your daughter they wouldn't style her dolls hair because their not used to working with such a quality doll and didn't want to break it. Those hair dressers only know how to style poorly made icky dollys hair and her dollies hair is toooo nice for them to handle!
Poor girl. How appaling. Hopefully she'll play with Gracie again, she's the best doll on earth because she's Etta's and that makes her special! No one else has her!!!
by the way when I googled American girl of the year your blog came up! LOL seems everyone is hearing about Gracie's mistreatment by the AG NY store and sounds like alot of people like myself are thinking twice about buying them.....have you heard from AG about this?
I am one girl who has grown up and loved the American Girl doll company. I think that the comments made by the stylist and moms were rude, however, i think that this letter to American Girl was quite rude,and could have been left without the sarcastic commenting. I understand how upsetting this experience was, but I was appaled at the wording of your letter. I do not think that you should chastise the American Girl Company, but wasnt it the mother of Etta who encouraged her daughter to bring the doll? Maybe the situation could be better handled by the mother. I would assume that AG Place would not do another dolls' hair, so i'm surprised that the mother is so upset. Common sense, if you are familiar with American Girl.
This story is complete bullcrap. I have been to the AGPNYC (American Girl Place New York City) 10x and the employees are as nice as they can get. There was this one hairstylist that gave me the choice of ribbons for my dolly Kirsten's braids. When me and my friend Abbey told her that you couldn't pick ribbons in the AGPLA (" " Los Angeles), she wrote a letter to the place. So you see, through the eyes of a 9 year old, that the world isn't cruel as you think.
OMG!
"The way people buy name brands like LV, Coach, etc.. simply because they want people to know they have money"
Oh, please, this is sick, must be a liberal. People with money buy expensive brand items because they are of better quality, style, and simply... because they CAN! Don't get angry because you can't!
The mother wasn't even there, how would she know exactly what happened. If she was trying to teach her child about the importance of labels and commercialism, then why allow her to go to a store such as AG.
Let's talk about Target for a moment. Be careful because when Etta's doll gets broken or damaged by that hairstylist at AG, Target will not return or replace it because their return policy sucks as does the quality of their knock off items.
My daughter is home schooled and we use AG as a part of our history lessons. My daughter fell in love with the characters, not because of the price of the doll but because of the characters that AG represents. That's the point right? NOW, on the other end, of course AG sells their items high, they are a business, in AMERICA. You have a right to choose where you want to shop and how. My daughter loves the AG dolls and so do I, so, I purchased her 5 AG dolls and guess what, I bought them less than half price, second hand. I choose not to spend a large amount on the dolls because I didn't HAVE to. I will save them and give them to her for different holidays and everyone is happy. My daughter can go to AG and have her dolls hair styled like all of her friends and never know that Mommy is smarter than all those Mommies in line :)
Also, just to note, if I would not have found the dolls at such a great deal, I would have still bought them retail, just not all at once.
Then again, from all the FREE donations that Etta is being offered from this post, I guess Etta's Mommy is pretty smart too, huh. Wow, what a lesson Etta is learning from this, right? Thanks Mom!
It's Etta (and YOU) that doesn't understand.
The sylist meant, "This doll isn't an American Girl Doll, so I can not style her hair for you." not, "This doll isn't real! This doll is a stupid knock-off!"
For those of you critisizing the sylist, it isn't her fault.
Stop crying to us about it
I just read this story as I was looking on the internet at american girl dolls. It seems that's all my daughters have wanted and been asking for. It's my daughter Olivia's birthday coming up and I couldn't get over the ridiculous prices of these dolls! My mom decided that she wants to get her darling grandaughter this doll so that she can cherish it always. I now have decided not to get one of these dolls. It is ridiculous and totally unacceptable of the stylist and everyone else at the store to behave that way. This is a lesson that I can teach my daughters as well as other people in my life. Poor Etta, and you as her mother to have to hear about that story without even being there for your daughter. You seem like a lovely woman and I'm sure that if American Girl managers get word of this, you'll receive some sort of benefits.
That's all ,
keep moving in the right direction.
Oh my gosh, I was doing a search to try and find the Target dolls and found this. I'm so sorry for your little girl. We have a Target doll too and my daughter adores her. She's a going into 1st grade girl so she knows it's fake but loves her just the same. She actually just dropped $20 on clothes for her yesterday from her own $ she's been saving up for weeks. For an outfit from American doll she's have to save for alot longer than that! While the $ would be a lot for Christmas we've spent that much on her brother, it's like you said, I would want her to keep her in a cabinet after all that $. My daughter when she was younger drew a cat face w/a black sharpie on another Target doll LOL. Anyway, we live around snotty moms in a "nice" neighborhood, and they can be so nasty too. I'm sure they or their daughters would say the same thing that woman said to your daughter if they saw her doll. And snicker about it, no joke, they are that shallow. I was going to get her an American Doll tthis Christmas but I've reconsidered. The pricetag makes us buy into the erronous assumption that the doll isn't good enough unless it's American Girl, and when we buy one, we're validating that elitist bull. So Hannah can enjoy her dolly she has and she'll prob get another one too, one of those cheap yet beautiful "fake" dolls. =0) Please hug your daughter for me, even if this happened awhile ago.
Noelle
This Happens Alot At The American Girl PLace nEw york I've Been There Three Times And I've heard Them Say That two times out of the three every doll Should be be treated equal and Gracie And Robin wil be closer in etta's Heart than any American Girl would be.
I cant believe people are shocked. American Girl Place is a company owned by mattel. Just like ALL companies all that matters is the dollar.
If anyone here really thinks otherwise they should get their heads checked. Your kids are nothing but fish and $90 dolls are the bait. Wake the hell up losers.
I have a hard time believing that this is all true. Yes, I can believe that the stylist would not style the dolls hair. Would other mothers say things like that though? And would a stylist at a childrens store say so snidely that it wasn't a real doll? I doubt it. You're learned a lesson, don't bring a non-american girl doll to that store. Woo, yay, the end. Yes, I agree that if this is true, that stylist should lose her job.
But is that whole company terrible because of the actions of one person? No! The dolls are good dolls, with stories behind them that made me interested in those time periods. Even 10 years later, one of my favorite parts of history to study is WWII. I credit part of that to the Molly doll I played with when I was younger, and the stories I read. And really, my doll only had one "real" outfit - the one she came with. She had other clothes, accessories, and bits of furniture that were generic "fake" things. I was okay with that. I loved that doll, and it was not an image thing to have it. You're overreacting, and putting down a good series of dolls over one incident.
Also, to those commenters who said the dolls were not proportionate, that's FINE. They're better then those slutty bratz dolls, who have nothing from head to toe that is proportionate with a real human. Sure, american girl dolls are fat I guess, but they are just dolls - squishy huggable dolls. Does anyone really look at them and say "oh wow, that doll is fat!"? I would like to see a doll that is perfectly proportionate to real people.
I understand that what that hairdresser did was horrible and American Girl has some explaining to do, But not all girls that have American Girl dolls are snotty and rude.I had some, and so did my friends, and we all feel so much remorse for the humiliation of your very young daughter, those "moms" did not help at all, and to me were very unsympathetic.
Mothers, get a life!
I am sorry that must have been hard for Etta. American Girl dolls are for ages 8 and up though they really are not for little girls. American girl made Bitty Baby for the younger ones and used to make Hop Scotch Hill Dolls.The dolls at
Target have very different hair than American Grl dolls, they are 2 different types of plastic. That was so sad for Etta but it would be even more sad if her doll got ruined so that is probably one of the reasons why they did not do her doll's hair.
Etta;
save some money to get a real doll! I mean really you don't need to trash ag when it's all ur fault, suck it up!
Etta;
save some money to get a real doll! I mean really you don't need to trash ag when it's all ur fault, suck it up!
Etta;
save some money to get a real doll! I mean really you don't need to trash ag when it's all ur fault, suck it up!
Faker! this story is false you big fat liars, shut up!
My daughter wanted a "real" doll. (She's 8 yrs old ) We went to the website to get a look. After she saw the prices, she said "lets look at other dolls cause, thats way toooo much money to spend on a toy." Pretty smart for a 8 yr old. I think she could give those "loving" mommys a good talking to on common sense and money!
at first i hade a fake doll and when i tured 9 i got my real doll.
tell etta hi
This is exactly the reason that I started my business http://www.ForTheHopeChest.com.
My daughters have all different types of 18" dolls. Our Generation from Target, Walmart had Tolly tots and I was just in Costco and they had a Madame Alexander Doll under $30.00. She was beautiful.
My girls were taking sometimes two months to save their allowances to buy a new doll outfit. They had to save half the money for the purchase of their American Girl Dolls in the first place. Now I am said to say that the Samanatha doll is being retired. Yep that is the one my youngest saved two years for. She is very disappointed.
I as another poster stated don't believe this happened the way it was described if at all. For one thing the liklihood of that many posts on this subject all from different people in one day is not beleivable.
I work at American Girl as a seasonal employee. American Girl was named in the top 100 companies to work for. One of the reasons it is a wonderful company to work for is because our product as well as our philosophy is that the "girl is at the center of everything we do." In other words, it is easy to love what we do. Even seasonal employess who may only work for 2-3 months go through 2 weeks of training much of it emphasizing how to treat our customers with care and rspect. And its not hard to do when that is also the culture of our workforce. There are many people who come back year after year to work the holiday season. They wouldn't do that if it wasn't an awesome place to work. And they wouldn't do that if they didn't enjoy what they were doing. And they certainly wouldn't enjoy what you described. If what you say actually had happened and if you had brought it up with management, they would have made it right. But it didn't really happen. Those of you who beleive everything you read on the internet espececially when it is meant to harm others (like all the caring loving mothers who committed the unforgivable sin of purchasing one of these awful dolls for their own daughter) really need to get a clue and a backbone. Mothers trying to hurt other mothers-its disgusting.
this story sounds nice, but even if it is true...
1.) i'm 22, and in my day my parents were pretty decent ag customers (i even own one of samantha's dresses in my own size). that said, we're not rich people. so why spend $400+ on dolls and their doll stuff? because that's what i wanted. my parents wouldn't know one doll from another.
2.) i totally agree with the concept of taking a fake coach bag to the coach store. if you want to be made a fool of, that's what you do. don't try to make trouble where there is none in the first place. maybe etta's mom should learn that if she really wants to teach her kid some values, maybe there are other doll activities more enriching than spending $20 for a doll hairstyle. like maybe make her some clothes together? or have a tea party or something? but no, you looked for trouble and found it.
i for one look forward to seeing the new ag store in natick, ma, and will most likely bring samantha's doll clara to have her hair re-glued. yes, my doll has a doll! aren't i awful, having that and wanting HER hair done?
I wrote to the company in dismay and received this reply. I think this article is just up to drive traffic to this blog!
--
We appreciate the time you have taken to e-mail us about this situation.
Although we appreciate your concern, please be assured we have handled
this situation directly with Etta's mother. We want to assure you that
guests of American Girl Place can bring any doll they like, whether it
is an American Girl doll or not.
We hope this information is helpful. Again, thanks for writing.
Sincerely,
American Girl® Customer Service
Phone: 1-800-845-0005 or 608-831-5210
Fax: 608-828-4790
Available Monday - Sunday 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Central Time
That's a sad story, but I know where that lady is coming from. She probably would've been fired if she did an updo for a doll that was from Target! (maybe that's there policy, considering that's an American girl doll store. not "Store For Cheap Dolls at Target".) Not to sound harsh, but why would you take a doll to an AMERICAN GIRL DOLL store if it wasn't even an american girl doll. You don't have to turn EVERYBODY off from those dolls! Seriously!
This story did NOT break MY heart all it did was make me M-A-D MAD! the American Girl place has high quality dolls and a great staff! If target sold them... OF COARSE THEIR FAKE! ad who in there WRONG minds wouldnt know they would tell if it was fake. OF COARSE THEY WONT DO A FAKE! I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR DAUGHTER ...but for you to act all like their terrible im gonna rip on them thats...ugh I LOVE AMERICAN GIRL PLACE IN NYC!
We just received a doll ordered from "American Girl" and were shocked to find out that all the products are "Made in China"!! Nowhere in the catalog or on the website is this fact disclosed. In fact the only thing "American" about this doll is that the catalog is printed in America however all the books appear to be printed in China.
This is a bunch of nonsense and a real rip-off of the American public. This Company is trading on the name "American" and charging a premium price for the name but manufacturing all their products on the cheap in China. We wonder why this Country is going down the drain? Even when we think we are supporting American manufacturing companies we aren't. The very helpful young lady who took our complaint at American Girl told me that they have a GM plant closing in Middleton WI where this Company has their distribution facility, Couldn't they find American workers and an American plant willing to make the "American Girl" doll there? I think so.
Given what I have just read here, I think it is time that the American consumer wise up and start insisting that these Companies who want to trade on an American branding make their products in America. It surely couldn't cost any more than what these dolls cost.
Ever heard of WOM (Word of Mouth), a new technique to create a buzz with a fake story to promote a product.
Coincidently (or not), the first post is by a competitor (Emily Rose). Clever, but don't be fooled.
I am sorry they treated your child this way, but being an owner of several American Girl Dolls, i will have to say, she went to American Girl Place! Did any thought trigger in your mind that the doll is not American Girl? I know they are overpriced but they have good quality and will last for decades as i will still love them 30 years from now. Instead of retaliating and badmouthing this company for one transgression, i would have suggested contacting American Girl like many of the comments on here said. It is the mistake of one employee NOT THE WHOLE COMPANY! Im sorry Etta had to go through with this, but you are no better than the employee that wronged your child.
Hello. I found this when I was doing a search for making an American Girl diorama for my DD's unit study on Kirsten. I am so sorry your daughter was treated like that, it is terribly sad when a store or another mom feels the need to act like that! I know I wouldn't have stood idly by making rude comments. Etta should feel very good about her doll she bought with her own money!!! How great is that?
Not everyone who has an American Girl doll though is like that. My mom, who could never afford to buy me an AG doll, has bought my oldest 2 and my middle daughter a Bitty Baby. We teach them that though Grandma wants them to be played with we also need to treat them nice as the expense is a lot. We would never purchase these for them ourselves. We have a friend whose daughter cannot have one and we don't think we are above her in any way, if we did that would be pretty petty since it's only a doll. We also have a friend whose daughters recieved used AG dolls for free. Does that make them fake as well? I wonder.
There are a lot of other things that I don't agree with on AG, which is why we either get our books from the library, second hand (so they don't get the money) or Grandma buys it. So please know we are AG owners and would never stoop to the level that hairdresser or other moms did. Shame on them!!
I just wanted to say to those who are on here calling names, it makes you no better than anyone else to do so, what right to you have to call anyone a curse word? Especially if you are a child as you list in your comment, my children would never dream to use words like that.
Second of all, anyone who says all children who own AG are spoiled, look around. Our children's clothing come from Goodwill, consignment shops and hand me downs and we are not ashamed of that. Did you stop to think that the AG doll a little girl is carrying may have been a present from a beloved Grandparent. Of course not, it hurts your agenda to admit that not every girl who has an AG doll could not possibly be spoiled. Then again our children are homeschooled so they know that money is not a god and neither does having an AG doll elevate you to some higher status.
Please think before you speak and state things that are not true, you don't know EVERY AG doll owner or the circumstances, to judge them is not better than a person judging because they don't have an AG doll.
And by all means use spell check it doesn't do your cause any good to comment and use spelling that wouldn't be fit even in the public schools!
Was shopping around online, looking for a knock off brand of the American Girl doll and actually considering breaking my budget to buy a "real" doll when I came across this post. Now, not only will I definitely not be buying one, I'll be advising all of my mommy friends to boycott them as well.
They are building an american girl store right by me. :( I remember going their when I was little and begging my mom to buy me this and that but she said no because it was to expensive :(
My daughters wants an American girl doll. Well guess what not going to happen either. They got a book in the mail I dint think that a doll could be so high. All I can say to Etta is its not the doll that makes having it fun it is being able to play with it. My girls are getting a doll from Target I just plain told them I cant afford something that much just to get dirty. I love my girls I can tell you do too. Things like this should never be permited to be on the makret. People that is trying to set a good exsample for our kids is hard. Kids and adults are mean to some one that cant afford what they can. The people that came up with this American girl doll probly had every thing they wanted as a kid. They need to think of every little girl and boy out there it is not there or the parents falt they wasnt born in wealth. My girls wealth is our love money cant buy real love. Etta I hope onr=e day you will reallise that not all people are mean take from some one that knows. Play with your dolls show those people that they cant control other peoples happiness.
WOW THIS IS DOWN RIGHT MEAN TO PEOPLE WHO MADE NASTY COMMENTS ON AMERICAN GIRL.
I AM A KID THAT HAS 5 AMERICAN GIRL DOLLS AND THEY ARE REALLY SPECIAL TO ME SO THOSE COMMENTS BROKE MY HEART.
P.S. I HATE FAKE DOLLS THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
I agree with the stylist to not to service fake doll. How about taking a fake apple IPOD or IPhone to apple store and demanding service for it ?
It is girls mom failure to make sure that her daughter does not get into situation. She should have been told that it is not genuine and is a fake. The problem started when mom told a BLATENT LIE to her daughter that it is AG doll.
There is nothing wrong in getting a doll from target. But it very wrong to tell that it is one from AG store.
This story is playing with sentiments of many more little girls. My daughter does not want to play with AG dolls after reading this story. Her feeling have been deeply hurt.
AG store treats every body with utmost respect and helps them around. We went a few times there and never bought any thing, but we were treated respectfully. One day I did buy buy doll for my daughter when she turned 8 (as the doll says 8+).
I will say this story is from a very irresponsible mom and is trying to get hidden advantage out of this.
As said above, do you think any company will service fake or even genuine things of not their brands ? No company will do that. Why do you expect American Girl to do that ?
There is a saying that "One fish spoils the whole pond". This is one of those situation. Assuming that we agree that stylist was wrong, how does that become a fault of whole American Girl company. I will be more interested in the reply of the American Girl to Etta's mom's letter. Has anybody seen that reply, if yes then please do post here.
I want a doll from them soo badly. I'm still getting one, but this story makes my stomach churn and ache from disappointment. I hope those rude mothers and the stylist have been taught a lesson.
What a sad tale and such an unecessary event!
My 7 year old daughter does have BOTH American Girl Dolls and the Target version, plus we have found that the Madame Alexander versions are fabulous and are better dolls than the Target ones, at Costco for 24.99.
We love the Target clothes they sell for the dolls, and have found them to be just as nice as the AM. Please tell your daughter, that although our AM Dolls are cherrished, the ones that aren't AM, are loved just as well, by my daugher, and yours should continue to do the same! Dreadful person at the styling salon!
It never ceases to amaze me how insensitive, immature, and just plain rude some adults can be. Your daughter should never have had to go through that. Kudos to you, mom, for writing such a great article so that somebody who has the power to make sure this doesn't happen again might read it.
that is so sad! i hope the hair stylist rotts in hell and that Etta will feel better and give her a hug from me!
that is so sad! i hope the hair stylist rotts in hell and that Etta will feel better and give her a hug from me!
wow i am only 11 and i luv AG but i dont think you should blame AG, you should hate the mean old ladys in line for there predijest agenst fake dolls.
i m glad that Etta is being strong about this. Give her a hug for me!!
I'm 22, and a formerly proud "originator" of the American Girl doll fad. I remember my first catalogue and my first and only doll (they were expensive then too) Samantha. Someone stole her so I was about to buy another when I realized just how big this fad has become. I remember getting personal invitations to fashion shows from Pleasant Company and now all you get is a big bill. I worked in the city when the store first opened and my god! There would be lines all day long OUTSIDE the store and all the way down Madison ave. The poor little girls that did the shows on stage would come by and cry to me about how many times they had to put on a show or sing something and how mean all the "training actors" were to them. This company has gone to shit. Its sad really because I do still want the doll since I collect a tiny bit, but how terrible for someone to act like that or mothers on line to join along. Screw them. I woulda cursed them 6 ways to thursday.
oh and EFF you too the people who said its the mothers fault. She didn't trick her kid into thinking it was an AG doll. She loved a doll.
Don't compare ipods either you idiot. iPod was an original invention that surpassed other companies tries at MP3 players. AG dolls are effing dolls. They aren't made any better than 85% of the dolls out on the market. Those target dolls are probably more durable or easily washed off.
So, STFU you stuck up ignorant beeotch who probally sits at home spending her husbands money all day long on manicures and clothes to make herself feel better about her fat ugly arse.
OMG - how can you curse at someone on line for posting a comment. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. You really took your post too far. It was very presumptuous of you to assume she does not work for a living.
The woman is correct - and you can compare IPOD to AG as it is the same concept. You can't ask IPOD to service your ZUNE or Creative MP3 player.
And I do feel sorry for Etta but I would hold the Mother just as responsible for not checking out fully to make sure her 6 yr old was not disappointed.
The "stylist" is only doing her job. The snobs in line however are a different story - I would have given them a piece of my mind.
HI I LOVE AMERICAN GIRL, WHEN I FIRST GOT MY AMERICAN GIRL MY MOM HAD BOUGHT IT WITH EVERY PENNY I HAD THAT MEANT NO BIRTHDAY PARTY!! YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN MY DAD SCREAMING AT ME FOR WANTING SUCH AN OUTRAGEOUSELY PRICED DOLL. I WANTED IT IN THE FIRST PLACE BECAUSE I HAD WENT TO A PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR THE FIRST TIME AND ALL THE GIRLS WOULD BRING THEM AND I JUST FELL IN LOVE! AND THEY HAD A RESALE OF AMERICAN GIRL BUT INSTEAD OF 90.OO DOLLARS THEY WERE 120.00 RIP OFFS HUH! WELL STILL TODAY I STILL BUY AMERICAN GIRL DOLLS ON EBAY AND CLOTHES ETC. (SO MUCH CHEAPER!) WELL I WAS SURFING THE WEB AND CAME TO THIS STORY AND COULD NOT BELIEVE THIS!! I WAS HEARTBROKEN! I THOUGHT IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE KIDS THE FUN ETC. THIS JUST RUINED MY WHOLE THOUGHTS ABOUT AMERICAN GIRL!! BUT YOU CANT BLAME AMERICAN GIRL JUST THE LADY(SALON HAIRSTYLIST) BECAUSE SHE WAS PROBABLY PUT SOMETHING IN THE HEAD THAT NO IM NOT ALLOWED TO TREAT OTHER DOLLS THAT ARE NOT AMERICAN GIRL!! WHICH IS SOO NOT RIGHT BUT THEN AGAIN ITS ALL FOR THE MONEY. LIKE THE MOVIES YOU CAN BARGE IN WITH POPCORN FROM YOUR HOUSE THEN FROM THE THEATERS WHICH IS HIGHLY OVERPRICE THAN THE ONE FROM HOME STORE WHATEVER! IF I WAS HER MOM I WOULD HAVE MAY A BIG SCENE HAH. i WOULD HAVE BEEN GETTING THE MANAGER RIHGHT AWAY AND TELLEM HIM OH SO THIS IS THE KIND OF STORE YOU GUYS ARE TRYING TO RUN. ALL THESE THINGS ARE TO PUT THINGS IN OUR CHILDS HEADS TO GET US PARENTS TO BUY FROM OYU PEOPLE THAT EVN THOUGH I BRING A "FAKE" DOLL AND YOUR STILL GETTING MY PENNY YOU REFUSE ME SERVICE!!
I WOULD HAVE BEEN ASHAMED IF I WERE THOSE MOMS,HAIRSTYLISTOR ANY WORKER. BECAUSE THEY REPRESENT THE COMPANY. WHAT A SHAME!!!
I agree that the stylist should have handled the situation better and as far as the other mothers who cares what they think, but this will not hurt AG in any way! They have been around for sooo long and so many little girls love them that it wont matter! I am also very offended about the way you make it seem like EVERY little girl who owns an AG doll and her mother is stuck up and rude! How rude of you to lump people together like that! If you don't want to spend the money for an authentic AG doll then don't, but don't make other people feel awful for wanting to. Aren't you doing to them exactly what you're telling them not to do to you? Judging them by what doll they own? A little hypocritical don't you think?
Sickening.
I am a tween, and I have 4 of the dolls myself. I have only been to the American Girl Place in Chicago once. I did not get to have my doll's hair styled. And you know what, now I'm glad I didn't. Etta, sweetie, you did not deserve any type of behavior resembling that. All those people were inconsiderate jerks. Etta's mom, good job for keeping it together. My mom would have LOST it. She would be angrily talking to that hairstylist and those mothers.
Another point is is that I do not think owning an American Girl Doll should be status symbol. I think if Etta TRULY loved that doll, it was worth as much as any 120 dollar doll. I think it is the joy of owning that doll that makes it worth something, not how much you spent for it. Because worth is about 1% money 99% love.
Peace, Etta and family.
I hope those mean people get what they really deserve, whatever that may be.
With utmost love,
MK
I can believe some of you who have posted; obviously some of you are the mom's that were in line. Yes stories are told as seen by the tellers, but every mother knows when there child has been hurt. I’m guessing Etta’s mom wouldn’t write this if she wasn’t offended and her daughter humiliated. There is a thing called etiquette and class; and that stylist and the other mother’s obviously had none. She could have done something other then announcing that Etta’s doll wasn’t an AG, which we know she did if the other moms were able to hear it and comment on it, like many have said an comment of not wanting to hurt her special friends hair and a bow or a pony would have probably sufficed and let the party go on without a hitch. As well, you try getting a manager when your daughter is crying, I know if it were me I would have wanted to stay there any longer and subject my daughter to anymore comments from those awful mothers. Besides I have been in the store that just opened in the Mall of America and was not at all impressed with the service or the attitudes of the people who represented the company, needless to say we did not get an AG doll that day and now never will. I think AG needs to train there staff better especially if they are dealing with children and those moms should have been ashamed of themselves, it would have been best to have kept their mouths shut. As they say it is best for someone to assume your ignorant then to open your mouth and remove all doubt!
If this story is true, I am horrified that anyone could be so cruel to another person, much less a child. I do have to say that maybe it was just that particular store. I didn't have time to read every one of the post so this kind of haughtiness might be prevalent at many of the stores. My daughter does have an American Girl and we have been to the AG store in Atlanta. The associated there we great and my daughter had a couple friends with her that didn't have an AG doll but ones that was her favorite. They styled both dolls and were equally nice to all of the girls that accompanied us. While they were nice I do have to agree that everything is overpriced but so far as I have seen everything AG is. That is what happens when you are paying for a name/label. Unfortunately, more and more of our society is becoming all about the materialism and too many people are ready to tear down others to make themselves feel superior. So very sad for our society.
Where were you- Etta's Mom when all this was happening? Why were you NOT there to say something like... "Let's go to a real hair stylist and get both you and Gracie a new 'DO'. Then we can find a nice tea room and have some refreshments"??
Where were you, to gently shrug off these things and teach Etta that there are all sorts of dolls and all sorts of people and we CAN love them all!
What is wrong with wanting a nicer doll? Would you choose the trailer over the manor house? Do we all not try to always have better? There is nothing wrong with a Target doll, or a goodwill one either! There is nothing wrong with a beautiful, costly doll!
As to bringing a Target doll to the A.G stylist...
you do not expect the Ford dealer to work on your Apple laptop. That stylist was rude. OKAY , but - where WERE YOU?
A six year old alone to face the mean, cold world? Give me a break!
I think one lesson Etta learned was...* Mom isn't here, and she is now mad at someone else because she let me down* Could that be it?
"" Anonymous said...
oh and EFF you too the people who said its the mothers fault. She didn't trick her kid into thinking it was an AG doll. She loved a doll.
Don't compare ipods either you idiot. iPod was an original invention that surpassed other companies tries at MP3 players. AG dolls are effing dolls. They aren't made any better than 85% of the dolls out on the market. Those target dolls are probably more durable or easily washed off.
So, STFU you stuck up ignorant beeotch who probally sits at home spending her husbands money all day long on manicures and clothes to make herself feel better about her fat ugly arse.
December 08, 2008 6:07 PM""
WTF?
Why so upset?
Are YOU Etta's mom?
Goodness, it is okaaaay - Really!
Calm down and take a deep breath. Things are going to be okay!
The poster said that MAYBE the stylist felt she could not do the Target doll's hair and be insured if she did it wrong. By reading what Etta's mother wrote here - I would NOT be surprised if a law suit would have happened if Gracie Doll was "Damaged" by that stylist. I think that Etta's mom is upset, but not because the stylist was rude. But rather because she is poor and resentful! AND she was not there for her daughter!
Ello, and this is very horrible. I got my American Girl doll three years ago I think? My father bought her for me when I was twelve, as a christmas present, and him being a gardener and a truck driver trying hard to make ends meet. I still love the doll, I even took her to a, oh get this stylist, downtown LA shop to have a customized quinceneria dress made to match mine. She was my quinceneria doll, traditionally given to the lucky Quinceneria by her parents.
I still spend money on my Doll, because each time I do, I feel that happy glorious feeling I got back then knowing my dad had bought her for me. But I cannot believe this has happened, and I feel even more horrible because for this because for this christmas two of my own cousins got American Dolls. And I have noticed they don't really care for them, they are just status.
That stylist should have been fired, and Etta should have had someone explain to her that ANY doll is a perfect one, as long as you love it.
I love my American Girl doll, no matter how old she may be.
One result of your experience is that I was just logging on to book a party for my daughter at the American Girl Store in LA and am now changing the theme and venue of the event. So sorry you had to go through that but, it sounds like a character building opportunity. Not my favoirte kind. Good luck and thanks for expressing your opinion.
T
your poor! get over it.
Your kid is jealous of the kids that have the real thing.
I had one doll that was a ratty bald rag when I was a kid and I had the Smarts not to take it to manhatten for a "Do" with the other manhatten AG snobs.
Its YOUR fault!
Smarten up and get some cash
well stylist who cares if its fake bc at lest it has hair so that a fact unless thets fake to and so wat and moms ur really sick that girl just had her heart broken give her consideration God,!!!!! and american girls cost to much anywAY IF SHOULD BE AT LEAST 40 DOLLARS AND URS IS NOT FAKE SHE IS SICK!!!!!!
I am with American Girl on this one! If your daughter saved up money for that long why wouldn't you get her a real doll? It is made much better and it is real. Poor little girl... I am so happy that they taught her a lesson, if she taught herself to read she wouldn't be stupid enough to know that American Girl mean American Girl. Not some cheap Target ripoff. You should apologize to American Girl for making them look bad. They did nothing wrong. You are just some poor person wanting attention. BE ASHAMED!
If Etta's mother still looks at these comments, this is for you. Thank you moms in line for teaching Etta a lessen. You know that American Girl won't do other doll's hair. That would be stupid. The stylist did the right thing. You are a terrible mother for letting your daughter take a fake, dumb, ugly doll to a nice place. You made Etta pay for it with her real money! If you were not so cheap you would buy her what she wants. You are a mean mom that probably uses that money to get drugs. Those of you who tell her to give Etta a hug from them... grr. Tell "Etta" (if that's her real name) that EVERYONE THINKS SHE IS STUPID!!!!!!!
STUPID. DUMB, LITTLE GIRL. IDIOT!!!!!
Stupid little Etta. Too bad she is poor. No mom that cares. Probably fat and ugly. Just wanting free stuff. You are teaching Etta bad lessons at a young age. Stupid little girl! IDIOT!!! DO US ALL A FAVOR AND ROT IN H*LL
I wrote about your story in my American Girl and her dolls blog in response to a single Mom's post about having to explain to her daughter about the high cost of the American Girl Doll clothes. I think it is unconscionable how your Etta was treated and the fact that we live in a society where there is no way for someone like a single Mom to be able to give her daughter dolls or doll clothes on a special day such as Christmas or her birthday.
Oh my goodness!
I think everyone should have the same amount of money. That is why I voted for obaaammy. He will make sure we are all like etta's mom--- POOR! He will spread the wealth and we will all have the SAME things, we will all have the SAME pay scale, and we will all get every thing we need for the government. No more rich people that can afford dolls that the rest of the people can not afford! Yes that is why we needed obaaammy! long live socialism!
Yay!!! I am the 700th person to say how stupid your family is! Yay me!
I have two of the same Target dolls, Their names are Stephanie and Claire, I had my heart set on Julie, the real American Girl Doll...that is...until I read this. How could someone be heartless enough, to refuse to style a doll's hair? Here's a tip for anyone out here who needs doll hair care, a spray bottle, and a never-used toothbrush. Make sure to cover your doll's eyes and skin so they don't rot. (Trust me, it happened) And the doll's hair should be good as new.
i do love American Girl, But the way the hair dreeser acted was not right. you should not blame american girl for this because it is not there falt, it is thise ASSHOLE women in line and the mother F****r hair dreeser an i hope thay go to hell
Dear Etta and her Mother,
I am a 16-year-old girl (only 10 years older than Etta) and I just wanted to let you know that not all American Girl doll owners are as spiteful as those ladies.
When I was a little girl, about seven, I got the most wonderful present. My great-grandmother had recently passed away (mind you I didn’t understand it at the time so I wasn’t too terribly sad) and my grandma called me up to tell me she was going to give me her mother's American Girl Doll. I was thrilled! My best friend had one and we always played with it and I loved it almost as much as she did.
Because I was I little girl I didn’t mind that the doll I was getting had her fingers chewed off or that her wig was coming off or that she was very old (my great-grandma had gotten her at a yard sale for $0.00). I was just excited that I was going to have a doll of my own. It didn’t matter to me if she was real or not, or any of that stuff. My best friend, Alex, was just as excited as I was and when I brought her home we immediately went out and played with them.
Though Alex's doll was in good condition and you could actually play with her hair and she had all the accessories, it never even occurred to us that hers was "better" than mine, or "prettier." She was a great friend and always shared the clothing she had with me and let me do her doll's hair since mine would loose hers if I tried.
Now, looking back, I realize that Alex could have laughed at my doll and called her ugly. She could have made fun of me because I didn’t have a nice doll like she did, or told me she didn’t want to switch dolls for a day because mine was uglier than hers.
But did she? No. She never did, she didn’t even think to. She was brought up by wonderful parents who taught her right.
I still love my American Girl Doll, and so does Alex. Not because of what they are but because of all the great memories we have of playing with them and being there moms and just having fun with them.
I feel awful about what happened to your little girl, she should be able to have just as much fun with her doll as my friend and I did with mine when we were girls. To me it would have been insignificant weather her doll was AG or otherwise. I do not agree with any of the things people seem to think about American Girl Dolls and them being better or whatever people think it is that they are. I just remember the times I had as a little girl and am sad that your little girl isn’t having the same amount of fun.
I do hope she finds her self-esteem again and goes on to live a fruitful life. There is no reason she shouldn’t.
Sincerely,
Just another doll lover
This story is absolutely horrible. The whole idea is about being American, right? Doesn't being American mean being open to any and all varieties of "people"?
Well, my store sells items that are specially geared towards American Girl dolls. HOWEVER, you can bet we love dolls of every background! We could care less if she's "pedigreed" or not! She's a person too:-)
Actually, I had never really paid any attention to American Girl dolls until a vendor came into my store with clothes for them. So I looked it all up online and was really surprised at the cost of it all. And parents are EXPECTED to pay that! Terrible, especially with the current economy. I can't believe people spend as much, or more, on their daughter’s doll clothes as on clothes for their daughters!
Anyway, off my high horse now:-) So, my vendor started selling handcrafted doll clothes in my store and it got popular. It's still not real cheap, but definitely a lot cheaper then the "real thing". As it got popular we brought in more stuff like shoes, backpacks, etc. And now we have a following. But since I got so much of "I never knew where to buy it until a friend told me about your store" I thought I would put it on this blog so taht all could use it, not just those who have "pedigreed" babies!
Remember that all of our items are for 18" or so dolls, they don't have to be American Girl!
So, check out our "fake" American Girl stuff at:
cheekyscraftersfaire.com!
I agree this is a sad story, but on the side of the store, they cannot do the hair, put earrings in or do anything else to a product doll or not that is made the company. The store and the employee cannot be held responsible for anything going wrong with the doll, hair coming out, getting kinked from products made for another doll, etc. It should not have been handled the way it was handled for sure, but you can't expect to take a product to a store that doesn't sell it and have things done to it.
THIS IS ALL THE STYLIST'S FAULT! NOT AG'S! I am a teenager who loves AG and I feel SOOOO sorry for Etta and hope she feels better now. AG dolls are no better than Target dolls. All dolls are equal and beautiful and some people have different doll preferences. Etta likes Target dolls. I like AG dolls. But please don't put down AG or boycott it for something that was TOTALLY THE STYLIST'S FAULT! The stylist is a jerk and should be fired, and the other mothers in line are jerks too, but AG is a good company. Please don't be mad at American Girl.
-Emma-Lee
******Hannah said...
If Etta's mother still looks at these comments, this is for you. Thank you moms in line for teaching Etta a lessen. You know that American Girl won't do other doll's hair. That would be stupid. The stylist did the right thing. You are a terrible mother for letting your daughter take a fake, dumb, ugly doll to a nice place. You made Etta pay for it with her real money! If you were not so cheap you would buy her what she wants. You are a mean mom that probably uses that money to get drugs. Those of you who tell her to give Etta a hug from them... grr. Tell "Etta" (if that's her real name) that EVERYONE THINKS SHE IS STUPID!!!!!!!
STUPID. DUMB, LITTLE GIRL. IDIOT!!!!!
January 16, 2009 6:26 PM
Hannah said...
Stupid little Etta. Too bad she is poor. No mom that cares. Probably fat and ugly. Just wanting free stuff. You are teaching Etta bad lessons at a young age. Stupid little girl! IDIOT!!! DO US ALL A FAVOR AND ROT IN H*LL
January 18, 2009 2:39 PM******
I think I'm starting to lose faith in the world...This Hannah person is a mother and she's calling a little kid who she's never met names and swears. This is kind of scary. Hannah, I'm not trying to be mean but please don't say stuff like that online about a poor little girl who you don't even know, because there are kids who might read this and think "There are actual mothers out there who would do that???" and be upset like I was.
Emma-lee
Um, no, I don't think it is so much a case of anyone being reluctant to "call out" Etta's mother.
I remember going through a time of "brand name mania" many years ago, though I was about twice Etta's age.
However, the situation has intensified so dramatically that today, the core value that a generation of young girls are learning today is that, in essence, their self-worth is directly proportional to how much money their parents spend on "status" labels.
Etta's story illustrates that this has gone beyond clothing and a phase of adolescence.
Today kids barely past the toddler age are being taught that their value as little human beings depends on the label on their little playthings.
I think Etta's mom did not know that, she sent her little girl to the event in good faith.
There is a famous children's book called "The Velveteen Rabbit," which although written for children younger than Etta, contains a very valuable truth: The measure of whether something is real or not is dependent on just one thing - Love.
One of the most basic and primordial purposes of dolls and plush animals is that our children learn to love something for what it is, what it represents not in dollars or status, but in tenderness, unconditional love for something small and defenseless, and the love in the heart of the giver who presented it to the child.
That is what the toy means, that is what is loved, and that love is the ONLY thing that can make it real, whether it is a fancy brand name that cost hundreds or thousands, or some handmade monstrosity labored over by a loving elder whose skills, possibly even eyesight, may barely exist, but the love with which they made it makes it beautiful, and the child's love makes it real.
If that sounds all sappy and cheesy, that is my fault. A real miracle is not an easy thing to describe, maybe because there are so few of them.
Miss Etta's mom, the best thing you can do is gather both your daughters - and their dolls - and read The Velveteen Rabbit together. Maybe make it a regular event - every Tuesday at bedtime or something.
Etta has had a direct hit to the heart, and the most direct road to healing that wound is to reinforce what her heart knew before she went to that sad, sorry little "event."
Another thing you might do - get together with some like-minded family and friends with kids around Etta's age, and put on a Totally Fierce Fashion Show, complete with hairstyles, clothing & accessories swap, and some Designer Seminars, where those with the skills teach the kids how to make things for their dolls - and plush animals. Fashion accessories, little books, fine home furnishings made from fine cardboard boxes & disposable plastic food containers, and of course - bling!
(Don't forget a photographic equipment manufacturing corner, so that pint-sized papparazzi will have all the cameras (reincarnated tissue boxes) they will need to capture each magic moment)
When they're all tired out, cover the floor with pillows and comforters, and as they cuddle their beloved models and enjoy a reading of The Velveteen Rabbit, even if only a few take an actual nap, they will all get the "real" message - that they are fabulous, and their dolls and bunnies and bears and elephants are Real, because love is real.
That's the kind of Real no amount of money can buy.
And this will be true today, tomorrow, and when they are all older than great-grandma.
i love american girl and think its the best thing ever. i have 14 of thoses REAL dolls!!!!!!!!!!
ETTA YOU ARE A WHINNY BITCH!
ETTA f-CK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a great Mom to have a daughter at such an early age to show such unconditional love for her "baby". She already is a great mother. I can tell from the comment above this little girl is missing some of that love if she needs to have 14 dolls. Sounds like there might be come conditions to that love. Thanks for having this space for all to realize money CAN'T buy love.
i have to angree with the blogger two above me. When i read that coment i was clapping and yelping for joy. i want to meet etta and tell her right in her face and tell her that. i'd poop in her mouth if i got the chance to!!!!!!!!!!!
You know what I just noticed? All the children on this blog are being reasonable and CAN ACTUALLY SPELL, wherease the adults are ranting and raving and misspell nearly every word they write. And swear a lot too.
Thank you, ranters and ravers, for giving me proof that kids should be running the world.
Emma-lee
i never knew if this story was real or not, but the way the mothers behaved in the store doesn't surprise me. i've grown up dealing with those sort of moms (the mothers of most of my classmates.) mattel has really done a good job now of deviating from pleasant's view of her company and products being a fun way to teach girls history. now there is a lot less focus on historical characters, and more, it seems, on consumerism. i just applied for a job at AGP in chicago, and hopefully things go well, but i hate how this brand has gone so far from the stories i read and the dolls i coveted from childhood. it's gone from teaching girls to be smart, courageous, and independent, to teaching them how to be girly, and i think what they really need is MORE BOOKS AND LESS BLING! there's too much blingy shit in society already, i thought AG would be safe from it, but i was wrong.
Hi- I'm a mom that created FriendsForeverGirls.com. A line of dolls and books that promote friendship, character and community. Being from Wisconsin, I grew up with AG, but when it sold to Mattel, I thought it lost some of it's charm.
Girls just want something fun to play with, and I think mom's want something quality, that can also promote a positive message...check us out! www.FriendsForeverGirls.com
Thanks! Kristi
K 1:i do think it was wrong 4 that woman 2 make etta cry & call her doll a "fake" bcuz rite now sum ppl can't afford AG dolls.:(
2: now thx 2 u posting this AG will loose buisines. X( I have an American Girl. I don't care how sick it makes u, but AG dolls r better, they have better quality EVERYTHING!!!
3: my stomach hurts 4um this. It was a litte upset b4 reading this, but worse after. Thx ALOT LADY!!! IT HURTS BCUZ AG IS A GOOD STORE!!!!! THT IS NOTTTT THE ONLY AG STORE!!! PEOPLE NEED 2 KNO, AG IS EXPENSIVE CUZ ITS GOOD QUALITY!!!!!!!!!!
MY GOD!!
OH MY GOSH!!!
AMERICAN GIRL ROCKS!!!!!
DON'T EVEN SAY THAT THEY ARE WORSE.
I AM 12, AND I LOOOOOOVE MY AG DOLL!!
i am now planning to save up for another "just like you" doll, so my doll can have a twin. Then i will try to buy the retired Mia St.Claire doll. I was going to try and get Mia first, but then I saw how mant people were commenting this.Now i will have to buy the one that AG still sells first because what happens when they go out of buisiness???? Thanks to you some of the girls who are not snobby spoiled stuck up brats who have AG dolls may not be able to get them anymore!!!! I AM BUYING MY OWN DOLLS!!!! Which means that the girls who buy thier own dolls are much much better because one: They are better quality which is why they are soooo expensive. DUH!!!
Two: I AM BUYING MY OWN!!!
which means me+using my money+using it to buy better quality dolls=WAAAAAAAYYYYYY BETTER THAN ETTA'S!!!!
SO THANKS ALOT!!!!!
BOTH PEOPLE YOU AND ETTA GO TO HELL!!!!
PEOPLE AG ROCKS!!!!
STOP TRASH TALKING IT!!!
FUCK ALL OF YOU!!
BURN IN HELL!!!!
IMMA SHIT IN YOUR MOUTH!!!
FU ETTA WHINEY BITCH!!!
and her mother. now AG could suffer only because of one stylist. AG ROCKS, ANS IT KICKS ETTAS CHEAP LITTLE DOLLS ASS!!!!!!
uhu ya AG is better quality!!
i have an AG doll and r looking 2 get 2 mre 1 retired 4um ebay, & 1 AG 2day doll. i looooovvvveee my AG doll 2 death, & all these bad comments broke my heart!!!!
so STOP trash talkin' AG!!!!!!!!
P.S. FAKE DOLLS SUCK!!!
Im ten and i have a fake AG Doll too! That would make me so mad I would have sued them or somthing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They made me use my vampire face.
<> <>
|...|
FAKE DOLLS SUCK PENIS!!!
STOP TRASH TALKIN' AG!!!!!!
FUCK U ALL WHO THINK AG IS BAD!!!
OMIGOSH!!!
i almost threw up!!!
BECAUSE AG ROX, AND THIS IS A CHEESEY HOKEY FAKE ASS LIE!!!!!
FFFFFUUUUUCCCCKKKK YYYOOOUUU!!!!
What a disgrace!! I just came across this blog, and I am disgusted not only with the American Girl stylist but the women in line saying such nasty comments to a six year old! No heart, no class and dignity. This poor little girl! What a heartless, venomous way to act! So sorry your daughter had to come across such nasty women who probably have nothing better to do than to try to make others feel bad!
this is horrible. I have had an american girl doll for many years and gone to the store multiple times for fun. I do not have a lot of american girl stuff and every time i go there i see young girls. It is the strangest thing that in early March i did see an our Generation doll getting her hair done. I am appauled at the horrible attitudes of the people in that mall and that the staff at american girl would hire a woman like that
Wow how much do these AG girls cost?! I have a 1 year old and I don't plan on buying her any of those dolls after reading about what happened to your daughter. What kind of evil is lurking in these so called "adults". I used to have the books as a child and my parents never bought me the dolls. I was happy with my other cheaper dolls. I'm really sorry your girl had to go through that. I believe those "witches" will get what's coming to them!!
Let me tell you something....i understand everything but YOU should have been there..said something and told them the fact they think there better than her makes them more of a nobody , and dont waste your mony on thos pathetic little dolls . You really wanna make her day? make her smile? teache her how to sew And buy her a Mytwinn doll a doll that looks so much like her its almost ironic she will love it ( cuz it looks like her !!! you can also order outfits for the doll and girl or just the doll. Also you can buy very reilistic things like a working piano a horse posable pets little sibblings a kitchen set and a food and cake set a camping set and even hospitil sets ( much more ) you can send the dolls back too the doll hospital for restoring! when she "played out"You can wash her hair ! is 23" tall bigger than amarican girl dolls and will take your breath away when you see your girls face and howm much it looks like her .So forget the stupid barbie doll wanna be girls get your daughter a keepsake doll that so special Nobody but her has one like it because it s well her
But Lyric,MyTwinns are even more expensive than American Girl Dolls.And anyway,Not that it really matters,but their eyes don't close(And it is kinda scary,but that is just my opinion).But on the real situation at hand,the people at the store treated her disrespectably,and that was wrong,but then again,they are'nt permitted to do another brand of doll's hair,they were'nt trained to do that brands hair.But the moms,and the stylists should'nt have been snobby.Well,I guess that it is just a little more evidence to show about the cruel realities of the real world.
Another thing,don't call the little girls who DO have them spoiled and snobby.I have 6,and I worked my butt off for ALL of them.Yard work,helping people move furniture,and people move into their new houses.Just don't attack others who have the dolls.I know people who give the dolls to the Goodwill Foundation,and they sell them for like,3 dollars.I can understand not doing the other doll brands hair,but no photos,I do find that stupid.
Wow. This is really horrible. I hope Etta feels better.
I think if you're going to work in customer service, you should have better people skills. If the stylist's hands were really tied in the matter, she could have said:
"Oh no! You're dolly just told me that she doesn't want her hair styled. She's afraid that it will hurt."
or
"Oh, your baby is so pretty. I think she should stay just the way she is."
You'd think that these people have never talked to children.
That's sad but you don't need one of those dolls to have fun your doll is even better because its speacial to you and that is all that matters.
This is rediciolus! okay just for the informstion if you search stephenwodancer on youtube.com she had her own store where its about a dollar for a hairstyle. Well thankyou for this story.
That's sad... but I wouldn't blame the whole company, just the mom's and the sylist... Ihave ag dolls and Michael's dolls... so I know that there's no difference.
I'm surprised no one is blaming you, the mother, for teaching your daughter "a lesson". You are the one that is cruel for setting your daughter up to have her enlightened at the american girl store. If your daughter has issues with self esteem because of this incident you only have yourself to blame. As parents we are the ones with the wisdom. Children may have knowledge, but not wisdom.
Shame on you!
God this is so shallow. I mean COME ON! God, get a life. PLEASE! This is probably false, made up to get attention. I'm suprised you didn't go up to the manager or someting. I would have if that was real, but It is just a story to get attention.
american girl freesex
i hate england
england woman Hoe = Streetwalker
england man Effeminate man
I found this while shopping for an American Girl doll. You sound like one of those whining moms who puts their kids in difficult situations just to have something to complain about. You were looking for a fight by taking her there. Why didn't you call first to find out? Because you enjoy writing bitter and sarcastic blogs.
You people are so obnoxious! I can not believe that you are adults! I'm 16 and I can see the faults in this story! Of coarse American girl would not do the dolls hair! Its not their product! I do believe that the hair dresser could have been a bit more polite about it, but still! I do not understand why some of you are boycotting american girl for not "fixing up" a doll made by a competing company. It's just stupid. And about the hair dresser, did you ever think that maybe, just maybe, she is not allowed to do other kinds of dolls hair? what if the doll got messed up? she could have lost her job, personally, i don't think it would have been worth it either.
As someone whose parents couldn't afford to buy me fancy toys, I know a doll from Target is no better than a doll from anywhere else. I did finally get an American Girl doll as a gift and I loved it. They are pricey. There is something about them that is special though. I didn't get my doll until I was much older.But to be angry with American Girl is silly. It is an American Girl Store. For American Girl Dolls. You wouldn't bring your PC to an store selling MACs, would you? Or a Walmart bra to Victoria's Secret? You knew she was going there and wanting to get her dolls hair done...you had to know that someone might notice that was not an American Girl Doll.
Quit throwing a fit. American Girl Dolls are great. And yes, they do cost quite a bit more than Target dolls. About $95. But not only snobs and rich kids have them. I had to save and save to get one. But I appreciated it and treasured it. I'm not sure I believe your story, my family has been to the American Girl Store and they were very very nice. Why do people spend lots of money on a i-pod when they can get an off brand mp3 player? or why pay $50 for jeans when you can spend $15 at Kmart? That's life...full of options. Stop judging and complaining. Move on. Show your daughter how to not hold a grudge and just be happy.
Money doesn't buy class...I will never support American Girl..
Keep in mind that those are the parents who wish to raise a Paris Hilton or some other trash with money
I would have said to the mothers that if I know better than THAT
and I'm a 4th grader. Then I would have kicked them and dug my nails into their faces. I would have told them that if they want to make fun OF A FIRST GRADER, they should be punched (I would have done that too!) Then I would have said to that stylist "And you miss sytlist, you are a GROWN WOMAN! you are making fun of a six year old and are PROUD of yourself!" (and don't worrie, SHE would be getting nails in the face, kicking,and a good old fashion platform shoe in the stomach! Note: wear platform shoes each vist to american girl place)I would take Etta home and do her doll's hair for FREE. Don't worrie,
if I go to the american girl place in New york, they are getting a word from ME.
Wow! Not a new story but definately one with extensive coverage. I am reading today as I look for accessories for Christmas for my daughter who was recently fortunate enough to have been "handed-down" two AGD's. I couldn't bring myself to splurge on them new. I do know as a business manager that one bad apple can spoil the bunch, when it comes to staff. I am quite certain we can all understand why the AG Co. refuses to style the hair of competitor "knock-off" dolls, such is life and business, we can all think of many examples where this is the case. The problem appears to get out of hand with the stylist (who probably cannot afford a doll for her child any more than most of us) who made a terrible judgement call. This appears to be in contrast to the company customer service standard. I do have questions however... As the supervising parent of the girls I would have strongly suggested the stylist "do the right thing" by placing a bow and mentioning that the doll was such a natural beauty (much like your daughter) that she did not need any more than that. If the stylist chose not to do the right thing, I would have suggested refreshments while the nice manager came to speak to me and we would have re-visited the stylist after her chat with her manager. I certainly would not have tolerated the women's treatment of your child while in my care. At least not without briskly shaming a few of the attendees. Bottom line: I would have left quite irritated and more than likely not intent on returning however, I would have spared your child the knowlege that anything was wrong.
Dear Etta,
There are no fake dolls or real dolls. Your Gracie doll is probably more special than all of the american girl dolls ever made put together! I have 11 of them, but reading this story made me heartbroken. American girl is just a blingy, selfish, moneygrubbing, terrible company. They dont care about all the stories and all the inner star junk that they promote. All they want is money. Love is all we need, your gracie doll is a well loved doll and thats what counts.
-Mary
I had heard this story from a friend and thought that it was one of those over-exaggerations that gets told and re-told to shame those that do chose to purchase an AGD for their child. First I have to say that both my daughters own AGD's as well as "fake" dolls. They see no difference in them. Second, shame on the employee for her actions and how she handled the situation. Third, why as a parent would you allow a child to be treated in such a manner? Maybe if the ADULT in charge had taken the employee to the side and gotten reasons etc, the whole ugly mess could have been avoided. I certainly would have let the other moms in line know the value of this little girl spending HER own money on that doll and how special it was to HER, is the point and not the label or price tag.
I just came across this story. We have been receiving the American Girl catalogue for about a year. My 5 & 6 yr old daughters love it when it arrives, but I have always had SEVERE reservations (natch) about purchasing a $100+ doll seeing how they care for the other toys they have received. Your blog confirmed that this is a disgusting company centered on materialism (in THIS day and age!). I will stick with the Dollar Tree babies and outfits that they seem to be VERY happy with (yep - for under $10 you can have 2 babies and 3 outfits each). PS - I would have clocked that stylist and had some choice words for the moms in line who so graciously took the time from their 'busy' schedules to take the children from their nannies to buy their love at American Girl. Bravo to them.
Oh, my gosh. I love American girl and I'm pretty sure that one stylist doesn't represent the whole company. Okay, so the dolls are expensive. Save up.
Stop blaming the whole place 'cause of some rude stylist!And Etta's mom, you really should have thought about if american grl stylists would style a Target doll that costs 29.99' s hair. Um, if you have EVER been to the place, you'd look at the style hair price chart and you would see it says "American Girl dolls only". . . But i do feel sorry for Etta. What snobs. However, i have been to the place and the staff is very polite.
This is the biggest line of bull I've ever heard! Poor Etta...not being allowed to have her fake dolly serviced...PLEASE! Suck it up! Why should they service your doll? It's called American Girl Place...not Target Fake Doll Place!!!! I'm glad they stood their ground. My daughters have 12 REAL American Girl dolls and I wouldn't be caught dead buying a cheapo Target brand....You know what? You've gotten a lot of attention because of all this...you probably made the whole thing up hoping to get a FREE doll from them. AMERICAN GIRL ROCKS!!!!
Everyone is right here. However, I am not surprised by this foolish behavior of some adults. I used to work for a toy company in customer relations/marketing in the 90's and was disgusted by the stupidity (even then) of some of the parents that would call in. Their whole identity was placed around toys that their TWO YEAR OLD had to have, yes, I said two year old! As if their two year old cared! I'm not surprised that this behavior has only escalated. I'll stick to the Target dolls.
I can afford to buy several American Girl dolls, if I choose to. In fact, my daughter is not even 2, and she is going to get > $700 worth of gifts for Christmas. She already has several dolls and will be getting another one (a Corolle).
I won't be buying an American Girl for her for one simple reason - these dolls are crap. They are of poor quality and made in China. Probably full of various harmful chemicals as well. I haven't seen the American Girl in the list of recommended doll manufacturers. Plus these dolls are, quite frankly, really ugly.
People who consider these dolls prestigious, are delusional. Much money does not necessarily mean quality.
ur fucking liying trust me im an actress and rich too i can make up a story like that i have 3 of the american girl dolls and whatever her face is too cheap to get a real doll plus this happend over 2 years ago so get over it im not sayin that etta is classy ethier
CHEAP ASS GO TO HELL BITCH anyone who agrees with me say i fuck fake dolls
I think most of these people are WAY OVERREACTING!!!!!! I can't believe that people are saying not to bu stuff from Ag. the hair stylist was the ONLY thing wrong with it!! American Girl is a great, awesome doll. I happen to have 5 of them. they said she wasn't a real doll, but they meant not a real AG doll. your title says fake, out. they didn't tell her to get out.
There is nothing wrong with the american girl products. and, i have been to that store, and stayed at the hair counter for an hour at least. they are EXTREMELY nice! and the dallas store is awesome. i go to this store all the time.
There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with american girl.
and ever thought that hairdresser might have been having a stressful day?!?!?
american girl should name a doll after the stylist and the accompanying book can be about how to become an uppity, condescending bitch who, despite working for minimum wage doing DOLL HAIR, is still able to maintain her snobbiness and i'm-better-than-you attitude. it'll sell like hotcakes, i'm sure.
and what i find most amusing, as a mother, is all of you other parents who buy into the craze and hype of a single product. you are only buying this because you (and millions of other people) have been convinced it's what you should buy. congratulations on raising sheep. baaaaaaaah.
i have been to that AG store, around the time you did. the peple at the hair salon were the NICEST!!! we spent 1 1/2 hours of our day in the hair salon portion of the store. and to everyone being horrible about AG, KNOCK IT OFF!!!!!!!! and, little miss "etta's mom", this is so fake. AG would never do this. and, once again to everyone throwing out bad comments to ag, they are the best quality dolls, i will be buying them for myself for years, and, when i have a little 8-year old girl, i will be buying them again! and it will go on in my family for generations. thats what i have to say about AG.
you should be ashamed for telling a fake story. and, for accepting all this free stuff, that is cruel and setting a bad example for etta.
way to go, you taught etta how to be a whinng crybaby making up fake stories to get free stuff.
i hope etta can notice the wrong in this story.
I do not have American Girl dolls for my daughter yet, but I would know enough not to send my child into the American Girl store (which I have NEVER been in) with a doll other than the ones they sell. It is setting the child up for embarrasment. I am not elitist, and I do not participate in the kind of snobbery that some mothers might over such things. The mothers who behave elitist about the dolls their children have would also do it about everything else in life. It is not the dolls, it is the character of the parents, that sets the example for their daughters. I think the salon worker could certainly have handled the situation better, but it seems the story is embellished by an opportunistic writer who knew in advance what she was dealing with. A person working as a stylist in a doll store who is trained for one kind of doll and a list of styles that are chosen from to work on those dolls is perhaps not a person who has the mind for improvising and did not know how to handle these circumstances. The dolls we do have are made with strands of hair coming out of the scalp, and most of the styles you could do on those American Girl dolls would leave huge bald areas showing on the dolls that we own. And brushing our dolls hair makes it frizzy because we do not have the kind of dolls they have. So the folks at the American Girl Store are probably quite limited in what they can do with a different doll like what my daughter has. I would never put my daughter in such an awkward position in the first place, not even for the opportunity to write an article like this blogger. It smacks of a selfish motive on the part of the writer, and also of exaggeration for the sake of reader hits.
I honestly do not think this is as bad as you're making it out to be.
First of all, your daughter brought a cheap imitation to the store. I see no problem in her bringing it provided you dont expect the same treatment. Like someone else already expressed, that's like going to coach with a imitation. You can go in with it, sure, but dont expect them to touch it.
Second of all, I completely understand them not styling the hair. All wig hair is different. American Girl is made with synthetic hair, and is steamed to set; had your daughter's dolls hair been real hair, it would have just straightened. And had it been a lower quality synthetic hair, it could have burned or melted. Which would you have preferred, your daughter being rejected from getting her doll's hair done, or you daughter's doll's hair being completely ruined (or wasting her money on a permanent straightening)? Personally, I'd rather the first.
As to the "rude" comments, I really dont find them that rude. I see them as you taking offense to a normal conversation that your daughter probably would have recovered from had you NOT reacted so poorly. The fact that YOU reacted poorly just makes the experience even worse for your daughter.
And for all of you who commented negatively, claiming never to subject your poor daughters to this:
Yes you're right how dare a company protect girl's doll from being ruined and how dare it promote it's own dolls in its OWN STORE. Yes, you're right it's totally a rip off.
They sell quality dolls that last years (I've had mine for 14 years and aside from it losing a leg, my fault entirely, which they fixed btw, it's still in perfect condition), why on earth should they be cheap? Here's a hint, the only reason other dolls are cheap is because of planned obsolescence, which means that they plan on your dolls being ruined and destroyed so you'll just have to buy new ones. But American Girl makes QUALITY dolls and stick behind them (they even have a hospital where they fix your dolls YEARS after you bought it. I can still send in my 14 year old doll if I wanted to). Shame on them. *rolls eyes*
In all seriousness, though, for all of you "purging your collection because of this incident," if you really dont want them, send me a line I'd be willing to pay shipping to get them to me and find good homes for them with children and parents who would be more than happy to have these dolls.
I have a small collection of American Girl dolls, but I am completely appalled! I cannot stand people talking down on others.
That story had made me cry. This 'Stylist' should find a job that doesn't involve children. She obviously cares just as much as a child abuser would.
My mother would have taken none of it. The exact same thing happened to my mother when she walked into a bank (she wasn't wearing her best clothes). The bank lady at the counter refused to set up my 'Junior Saver's Account' at the time and she decided that we weren't 'Good Enough' and I had 'Little amount of money to invest' (I was eight at the time).
She decided that she would treat us like... well... like not human. She made the rudest comments.
Guess what happened when I came crying to daddy about it? He threatened to remove his shipping company's account.
Take that Ms. I'm too good for anyone. I think she was fired or scolded.
I WILL REFUSE TO BUY ANYMORE AMERICAN GIRL DOLLS FOR A LIFETIME.
That is so sad! My daughter has three American Girl Dolls, and after I showed her this (she is 10) she told me she didn't want anymore. I hope Etta knows that her doll is MUCH better than any doll made to make people rich.
Good Grief. I am a mom of a two year old boy, and when I was seven or eight, I asked my mom for an American Girl doll, and she made me save up for it on my own, and I loved it, and still have it to pass on to a little girl (if I ever have one) but that is horrible. I would have complained to the president of the company
My six-year-old daughter has an American Doll (she picked it up on the street, after someone was throwing it out).
Here's what she asked me (and I'm not making this up):
"Daddy, if she's made in China, why do they call it American Girl Doll?"
My six-year old daughter has an American Girl doll (she picked up on the street, after someone was throwing it out).
Here's what she said to me (and I'm not making this up):
"Daddy, if she's made in China, why do they call her American Girl Doll?"
Oh, this story just made me sick to my stomach! Luckily, you're daughter WILL recover, and be stronger and happier growing up without the obsessive label pressure other families exhibit. American Girls dolls are lovely, but not worth that kind of angst!
oh people, dry your eyes and get over it. little etta needs to learn that it is a cruel world and sometimes people are shitty. the saleswoman did a shitty thing and i am sure etta is stronger now or whatever but lesson learned. so save the drama for lifetime and let the girl grow up alittle, geesh.
Etta I'm so sorry about what happened with you and your mom. I had an americna girl doll but know It seems like they are just sitting in the back of the closet. I think that my favorite doll was not even a american girl doll. It was a Toy Story 2 Jessie Doll. I hope that stylist is fired and the parents who where mean to you learn there lesson. I have seen those dolls at target and I thought they where really cool. I think that it doesn't matter what kind of doll it is but the fun U have with her or him. Your Jessica PS. If you don't want AG dolls try the books there much more fun and not at all overpriced.
My daughter has 6 American Girl Dolls. Like that one mom said, AG Dolls aren't for everyone. They are for girls ages 8 and up, you know. Plus, AG Dolls aren't that expensive,but the quality of these dolls are AMAZING! I can see how the stylist wouldn't do that dolls hair either. No matter how much effort she put into it, it would fall out anyways. Oh, to all those who said they would never get their daughters AG Dolls after reading this, I recommend that you buy them one. They are a wonderful experience for any girl. So, please get your daugther an AG Doll. They are DEFINETLY worth the money.
My daughter has 6 American Girl Dolls. Like that one mom said, AG Dolls aren't for everyone. They are for girls ages 8 and up, you know. Plus, AG Dolls aren't that expensive,but the quality of these dolls are AMAZING! I can see how the stylist wouldn't do that dolls hair either. No matter how much effort she put into it, it would fall out anyways. Oh, to all those who said they would never get their daughters AG Dolls after reading this, I recommend that you buy them one. They are a wonderful experience for any girl. So, please get your daugther an AG Doll. They are DEFINETLY worth the money.
Okay, so you sound a little butthurt, because you're blaming AGP for something that wasn't even the company's fault. It was the stylist's fault. And it was the other mom's faults too. They're sick people. That doesn't mean you have to defame AGP. They are a good store which promotes good values- but they, like everyone else, have a few bad apples. Just try to stay aware of how you are directing your own labels.
I cannot believe it. AG is soooooo overrated. There is this one episode of Arthur and they have "world girls" it is hilarious because it so true! Parents spend tons of money on cheap little dolls and their overpriced accessories. Good for Etta!
I know little girls who have 5 AG dolls and don't even play with them.
Target brand dolls come with a doll, 2 sets of clothing, a book, and some accessories for about what it would cost for a one outfit from brand name,AG.
Target brand dolls come with a doll, 2 sets of clothing, a book, and some accessories for about what it would cost for a one outfit from brand name,AG.
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That is sad. I have 2 AG dolls and 4-5 offbrand(OGG,Madam Alaxander)dolls and I love them all I had 6 offbrands but my 21 yr old sister broke the 6th's leg and Ag dosn't admit offbrand dolls. I am 12 now I got my first "REAL" Ag doll when I was 11 last yr. and got my 2nd when I turned twelve last September. I got my offbrands at the rocking horse and I still like AG. To the Point, call AG and tell them that They were out of line and they could've atleast stuck a bow in Graicie's hair.
To Etta: Your doll is very special! YOU saved up your OWN money for it!!
That paticular doll IS REAL. She is real beacause you picked her special and you love her like every one should love their dolls! I suggest keep gracie and love her forever. I am proud to have a doll like gracie, she is named Erica and she is the most special out of all my dolls! she is a target doll too. Dont listen to those snooty old ladies that arent smart or clever like you, love gracie with all your heart even though she doesnt have some yucky company label on her.
To the stylist: okay, look, you should have been a whole lot nicer to Etta. You should have said something like:
Whoa!! This is a really pretty doll!! I never seen a doll's hair so different!! This dolls hair isn't what i am used to working with, and i don't want to ruin her hair so why don't we put this beautiful bow in it to make her look even more beautiful!
NOT
This is not a real doll!!!!
see the difference?? You could have made a little girl smile instead of making her cry. Shame on you!
I am sick to my stomach for you and your daughter. I want to cry. I, too have worked in retail. In the store I was in the customer was ALWAYS right to the point that if they did not even like the way an employee said hello the manager was notified. From the story I am assuming that you were not there but rather Etta's friends mom was...I beg you to please have her speak to someone in management and make a formal complaint. There will always be lessons in life that we will face but, you are a great mom and wanted to shield your child from that for as long as possible. Have you contacted the newspapers...Daily News, NYT? Thanks you for the lesson you have taught me by sharing this story....Tara Port Jefferson, NY
Six is pretty young to be having a Pretty in Pink moment. I wasn't going to get any AG dolls anyway because the teeth make me cringe. The Target dolls are better looking but at least the Madame Alexander dolls at Target are owned by a Japanese parent company so I am going for Life of Faith dolls on ebay as substitutes for American Girl dolls (before I read your post.) I had wondered whether I should take my daughter to the AG store with her alternative doll since I am anti-retail shopping fo little girls but your post really has me on edge. I think your daughter is probably more shocked by the nasty behavior of grown ups who are supposed to be role models for good manners not destroyers of civility. That shock is going to take some time for a nice little girl to get over. Best wishes.
I'm 10 and I LOVE American Girl dolls. To prove it I'll tell u how many I have! I have 15. They are awesome! I don't belive the story, and I thought Etta went with her friend and her mom wasn't there! American Girls have this online website, and i already had the doll I wanted, so my mom called and asked them if they would send the thing to put her online, and they did! My mom said they were so nice to do that. Now remeber I"m only 10 and that story didn't phase me wanting to go to the American Girl Place at all!
I searched for "American Girl Doll Similar" on google. I was surprised to find this story. I cried when I read it. How sad. I cannot help but say I do think less of the American Girl Doll Company for this.
For everyone who is questioning whether this mom is "embellishing" have you ever been to one of these stores??? I have, and I'm not surprised by this story in the least. When we first moved to the DFW area my 3 daughters wanted to visit the AG store in downtown Dallas. The whole experience was a window into the elitist society that is American Girl. On this occasion we were not there to buy so we got ignored, or followed around the store and constantly asked "can I help you find something" like we were going to pocket one of their overpriced dolls. I ended up buying my child one of the Target dolls and was told by another mom "Well, you know these dolls are really only for kids who families can afford them?" Really? Because I can afford it, I just won't pay it, there's a huge difference. This particular mom has bought her child no less then 6 of these $100 dolls, that's $600!!!! FOR DOLLS!
I've checked out one of these dolls up close and really can't figure out why they are so overpriced compared to the Target ones! Really sorry your daughter had that experience but like I said nothing in the blog surprised me after actually seeing it myself.
Please email me for I have a American Girl doll from when I was younger. She is in great shape, her name is Molly. She has a bed and a few other goodies that go with her too.
thesacredkitchen@live.com
Jewels
No other inquires please. This doll is for Etta if she wants it. Otherwise I'll continue to save her here until she is otherwise needed.
I am so ashamed i feel terrible for what happened.I also feel bad for those poor kids whose moms trash people like that, and if "American Girl Dolls" will be as stuck up as they are, its not even worth it after what they did to you little girl, she loved the doll, couldn't they have done something to the doll?? They're expensive, and stuck up as it sound.Anyways who wants those over-expensive dolls? I would forget the place.
Uh, I think it was a hilarious post. (It was tongue in cheek people.)
Unbelievable! Please tell me you sent this piece to the American Girl Doll corporate offices...
This is horrible. I just got a job at the American Girl store to be a doll hair stylist... I haven't gone into training, but this makes me so worried. Will I not be able to style another doll's hair? I own many dolls myself and none of them are American Girl, but they are still dolls all the same. D: ...Even if th stylist isn't allowed to, AG is still being paid, so the doll may as well have its hair styled.
Also, another company, Volks, has this same practice. But they're the top doll for THEIR market (Ball-joint dolls). Still, it seems a bit unfair... the stylist should have made a better judgment call.
Hi, I just read your post while looking for an American Girl doll for my kid. I am now boycotting them after reading your post. I was looking at alternatives and found this article about Hearts to Hearts dolls...they're cuter and will do some good somewhere..
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/weekend/2888086,WKP-News-fave12Northcity.article
If this had happen to me my mom would be like, excuse me? I have 2 real dolls and 1 fake doll. I was going to go to the American Girl PLace, but the trip was cancelled. Now I know, don't show up with my fake doll without knowing I might get made fun of.
that is soooo sad i used to have a American girl and let me tell you Etta its not that special it is just really expensive...
this is completely fake i have purchased many things from American girl they are so nice...once i got a ripped dress they sent me a new one at no cost to me!!!!!!!
Why didn't the mom turn the tables? I mean this 'stylist' is doing dolls hair for chrissake - how good can she be?
It goes to show that money still can not buy class . I have not read all the comments that people wrote (there are so many) but Im glad you put this story out there and got such a huge response. Maybe something is wrong with me but I'm still not sure what a fake doll is. Unless its a porcelin doll they are all plastic arent they? Some better grade then others but still, PLASTIC. I'm a grown women and I have spent countless dollars for dolls and no matter what the price they are PLASTIC. I'm sorry to hear that your little girl had to go through that experience. It's sad that the stylist behaved like the little children they were there to service. And the other moms you spoke about.RIDICULOUS behavior for so called grown ups. I hope your child has bounced back from this experience because its truly sad to have her scarred by idiots.
I am twelve, and I've been collecting AG dolls for ten years. My father is disabled and can't work, my mother has been unemployed for most of my life, and I also have a younger sister. Please explain to me how two working parents can't afford one, but I have six! And two bitty babies! And my sister has a bitty baby! All but one of the bitty babies was bought by my parents for my sister and I. An idea for Etta is that if she really wants one she can try to earn the money. I don't exactly know how your daughter can remember everything the people in line said, because when I'm crying I don't pay much atention to things. Was she taking notes? The stylist wouldn't do her hair because that is a special experience for those who earn it. I may have only payed for one of mine, but my grades and other achievments payed for the rest. American Girl dolls are indeed better quality than the others,despite what the others may say. Another note to people saying they are boycotting them or throwing their kids' stuff away, the only thing that is truly hurting is the child. The company has plenty of loyal fans who don't believe this junk! As a p.s., i'd like to add that I taught myself to read at three years old and currently read at a college level
I am so sad about this.Let Etta read this.That lady had no right to refuse.I would have done your doll's hair,and your hair too.You should say,I love this doll. It has been my friend,and I don't want you to be mean about it.
I got my first AG doll when I was 4 years old, as a gift. I got the doll as a big sister gift, and I loved her. It was Samantha. Now fast forward 4 years to the opening of the Chicago store. My torture begins there, and never ends, and is why I despise the stores, but not the dolls. So my mom and I flew up with my best friend, her older sister, and their mom. On the plane ride landing in Chicago, I found out my dog had died, and he was the dog I had had ever since I was a baby. He was gone; dead of old age. I cried for a long time, until my mom reminded me about the American Girl Place in Chicago. I was all excited when she reminded me. So we go into the store lobby, fill out some papers, and head over to lunch while my best friend, her sister, and her mom shop. My mom and I had the worst lunch ever! I ended up having bathroom problems all day due to the lunch. YUCK! So after lunch, I went shopping with my friends and our moms. I really wanted to get my doll's hair done, so we went over to the little center in the midst of the shopping. So we wait in line, all of us, waiting to get our doll's hair done. And you want to know what happens? The stylist won't style my doll's hair because it "already looks nice". She used the special gift card thingamig on my best friend's doll, and I had to pay for my doll's hair styling and force it down that stylist's throat! UGH! The nerve of some people! And, I had brought Samantha with me, but noooooo... no hair styling to be done by them! And, so I went back to shopping with my mom. I told my mom that I really wanted a doll backpack to carry my doll and my "fake" doll, Lydia. So we look in the backpack isle, and of course, the last girl walks out with the last backpack! My mom said if I wanted to, I could spend my money on a doll. Back then, even the dolls were still expensive! They were $87, that's almost $100 when you add the tax, shipping and handling, and everything else! And, now it's $95, and that's still wayyyy too expensive! The dolls used to be $60, and even that's expensive! So anyways, after the Chicago experience, I never went back to the Chicago store. I continued to buy the dolls, but only when I had the money. The dolls soon became my "friends", and my sister got Lydia as a hand-me-down. Unfortunately, we do not have Lydia anymore, but we still remember the good times we had with her. Tell Etta that good times are ahead, and don't forget to remember, Etta, you are who you want to be, and that means you're a sparkling, shining, glittering star. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise, sweetheart!
I got my first AG doll when I was 4 years old, as a gift. I got the doll as a big sister gift, and I loved her. It was Samantha. Now fast forward 4 years to the opening of the Chicago store. My torture begins there, and never ends, and is why I despise the stores, but not the dolls. So my mom and I flew up with my best friend, her older sister, and their mom. On the plane ride landing in Chicago, I found out my dog had died, and he was the dog I had had ever since I was a baby. He was gone; dead of old age. I cried for a long time, until my mom reminded me about the American Girl Place in Chicago. I was all excited when she reminded me. So we go into the store lobby, fill out some papers, and head over to lunch while my best friend, her sister, and her mom shop. My mom and I had the worst lunch ever! I ended up having bathroom problems all day due to the lunch. YUCK! So after lunch, I went shopping with my friends and our moms. I really wanted to get my doll's hair done, so we went over to the little center in the midst of the shopping. So we wait in line, all of us, waiting to get our doll's hair done. And you want to know what happens? The stylist won't style my doll's hair because it "already looks nice". She used the special gift card thingamig on my best friend's doll, and I had to pay for my doll's hair styling and force it down that stylist's throat! UGH! The nerve of some people! And, I had brought Samantha with me, but noooooo... no hair styling to be done by them! And, so I went back to shopping with my mom. I told my mom that I really wanted a doll backpack to carry my doll and my "fake" doll, Lydia. So we look in the backpack isle, and of course, the last girl walks out with the last backpack! My mom said if I wanted to, I could spend my money on a doll. Back then, even the dolls were still expensive! They were $87, that's almost $100 when you add the tax, shipping and handling, and everything else! And, now it's $95, and that's still wayyyy too expensive! The dolls used to be $60, and even that's expensive! So anyways, after the Chicago experience, I never went back to the Chicago store. I continued to buy the dolls, but only when I had the money. The dolls soon became my "friends", and my sister got Lydia as a hand-me-down. Unfortunately, we do not have Lydia anymore, but we still remember the good times we had with her. Tell Etta that good times are ahead, and don't forget to remember, Etta, you are who you want to be, and that means you're a sparkling, shining, glittering star. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise, sweetheart!
I really doubt this is true. It's a little dramatic even for "Manhattan's prestigious shopping district". However, it was humorous but not as humorous as the poor people crying over this obviously fake story.
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This is absolutly horrible reading your essay broke my heart when I was smaller I had two target dolls nammed Ally and Alajaiana( ddon't ask how I came up with that who knows?!) They were just as cherished if not more cherished than my one american girl doll my parents .could afford. I played with them constantly and to think american girl would put down such dolls is a tradgity. I'm verry sorry for your daughter american girl should never have been so harsh to her and her cherished doll. to me my target dolls were worth so much more in my heart than the price of American girl dolls. American Girl should be ashamed!
This story is truly heart breaking. My daughter is 6 and I would have felt exactly as you did. It is ridiculous that children are being taught that money and name brands matter.
Etta please love your dolly. She needs you. Name brands don't matter. I am sure you have heard of a little fellow name Pinocchio. He was made by hand by a poor wood carver. Yet look at all the incredible things he did because someone loved him.
I live American Girl but I have to agree
being so mean to Etta wasn't fair
because I mean she was 6 and at her
age usually they don't have money so
she got a cheaper doll i think the
"stylest" shouldn't have been so rude!
I just read this story and cannot believe how Etta was treated. All the moms that made those horrible comments should be smacked and the hair stylist should never be around kids, ever!Shame on ALL of them.
Does anyone know if this mom every contacted the store and spoke to the manager? I would hope that they would try to fix the situation, fire the hair stylist and make thing right. They should also personaly appologize to Etta and tell her that it is never right for a person to treat another that way.
I live in Denver and my little one has an Ameican girl doll. She saved up for it and purchased it herself. Everyone at the Denver store was very nice and helpful without the snotty attitude. I even saw a few girls in the store with their Target "My Generation" dolls. From what I saw they were not treated with any less respect. Maybe it's because we are a bunch of hippies out here.
I refuse to spend money on all the overpriced accessories. We sew them, bead our own jewelry. What we can't make we buy from Target or Walmart.
American girls are really not that bad but I love my dolls. I really think that stylist was just having a bad day. I own a few target my generation dolls which was probobally what Etta purchased. I happen to own two American girls and In comparison to the target ones I'm pretty sure that the stylist did not want to ruin the dolls hair. But she could of Been nicer. And I'm really upset about you thinking that only rich girls have American girl dolls because I have an allowance of 3 dollars a week and yet managed to buy one and a pet and some food for her. In sorry but I'm really defendingthe American girl dolls case.
I have an American Girl doll and one of those Target dolls. I treat the target doll just like my American Girl doll.
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