*Update 8/27/2016: Thank you to Jessica on Facebook who informed us that Toys R Us stores are also selling the dolls!*
The wonderful Amy was at Toys R Us and saw that they are selling Wellie Wishers merchandise. She kindly took some photos and sent them to us to post. There are no dolls as far as she could see, only the WW accessories, including the new Winter Wishes Outfit and Love & Caring Carriage, not yet released on the American Girl website in the USA. The prices at TRU are higher than buying it directly from American Girl, but it is still cheaper than buying from the AG website because of the shipping costs AG charges.
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Wellie Wishers Display
Love & Caring Carriage - $47.99
American Girl Retail Price - $48
Winter Wishes Outfit - $27.99
American Girl Retail Price - $28
Nature Explorer Set - $24.99
American Girl Retail Price - $24
Giggles & Grins Play Set - $24.99
Ocean Treasures Set - $24.99
American Girl Retail Price for Both Sets - $24
Garden Theater Stage - $89.99
American Girl Retail Price - $90
Carrot & Hutch - $42.99
American Girl Retail Price - $42
All in all, I think this is a great way to gain exposure for the WellieWishers line, though I feel like it would be more effective if Toys R Us also sold the dolls. It'll make the products more accessible to a larger population, and hopefully help AG with sales.
This great for Ag this will help them become more known.
ReplyDeleteYes, I just wonder why the dolls aren't being sold as well. O_o
DeleteI wonder if it's just a matter of the clothing arriving before the dolls did? Very interesting though to see them branching out in other markets. I for one get very tired of having to pay for S&H, I can't always take advantage of their free shipping deals since they almost always have a $100 minimum. My closest store is 3 hours away, so I welcome something like this.
DeleteI agree. S&H is one of the main reasons I do not purchase from the AG website despite a desire to do so. I would love closer, cheaper options!
DeleteI think there would be more impulse buying. Or that last minute "oh crap, I need a birthday present for my kids party" stuff too. It's there, you see it and you buy it. Less thinking about it, you just do it.
DeleteDefinitely. A trip the the AG store requires much more planning, and that won't change just because you can pick up some AG items at a nearby TRU store in a pinch.
DeleteI think this is cool! Also, TRU credit card holders receive 10% off on Thurdays, so that will help make them a little less.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that! I didn't know TRU had a credit card (though I shouldn't be surprised). :D
DeleteThat's really neat! I'll have to check out my local TRU!
ReplyDeleteYes! Hopefully they'll have these!
DeleteI just hope AG doesn't get caught up in just making money. That is what makes AG so special, is you have to order from them or go to their stores to get their stuff.
ReplyDeleteWhat, like if they are sold in other places, they are going to become less "elite" or something??? Or perhaps "undesireables" might get their hands on them?? FYI, several years ago, they sold them on QVC. They have sold them on Zulily and Costco, pets were available at Sam's Club. Rumor has it that Kohl's may be selling some of the line this holiday season as well. And yes, it is somewhat about making money. It's called retail. Ordering something online doesn't make it anymore special either. IT IS A TOY. Just a very nicely made one.
DeleteFor me what made AG special was the combination of a doll + story, especially in the historical line, and it makes me so happy and excited to see a hobby I love expand and become more accessible to more people. Hopefully this will increase sales so AG can continue making more historical characters which I love so much, and build a larger community of doll lovers!
DeleteAgreed! I know there are a lot of people who are hesitant to spend that kind of money on them for their children, but I think once people can see them in person more easily, it will increase the sales. Not everyone feels comfortable shopping on the internet or doesn't have an AG store close by.
DeleteA lot of times the AG stock photos don't give me a good idea of what to expect so I am one who prefers to see things in person before I buy. :D The feel and weight of an item in my hands can swing me to the buy camp and vice versa.
Deletehey American Girl, over here, yoohoo, we have TRU (whether being Australia, it might be just the name) please sell AG things here. I wondered if the new Truly Me clothes packaging had anything to do with branching out to non AG stores.
ReplyDeleteThat would be so nice for AG fans outside of the USA with a TRU store nearby if they started carrying AG items! :D
DeleteI was at my local TRU this weekend and they had dolls too. Mine had all of the WW except WIlla.
ReplyDeleteThat's great to hear! It made no sense to sell everything except the dolls. XD
DeleteI just read a news article that starting late October, most Toys R Us locations will carry Truly me dolls, clothing and accessories as well as the WellieWishers (they should be in stores as of September 4). The stores will have a designated area for these products. I have mixed feelings about this. I feel it takes away from going to the actual American Girl store. I usually make a trip out of going since my closest store is about 4 hours away.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, my local store is 4000 miles across the Atlantic away:) We always make it a trip:)
DeleteAnd what about a little girl who maybe doesn't live near a store and/or doesn't have parents who will take her there? Not everyone has the money or ability to turn it into a trip. I think it's a good move from a marketing stand point. And it's not going to be in every Toys R Us, just a small percentage.
DeleteI think it will be a good move ultimately. :) Toys R Us can't match the experience of going to an AG store, with the salon, store events, bistro, and wide selection of items, but it will make certain products more accessible to girls who are unable to visit a store.
DeleteI love the fact that American girl is being sold in toys r us. They don't sell everything but some stores section is bigger then others. And yes koles are selling them as well. I bought a few items from toys r us and went to the store this Christmas. The only thing I don't like is if you are a AG rewards customer you don't get points by buying from toys r us. I found that out because I bought the wellie wishers and accessories some from toys r us and I called AG to see how can I get my points and they said I can't. I'm not to happy about that part. They are still getting my money I should be able to get my points. But hopefully that will change too if enough people complain about it.
ReplyDelete