“Oh my God!” That’s what first came to mind when I visited the American Girl store on Fifth Avenue. It was during the summer, and my friend’s family were visiting NYC. We were in a hurry so we just did the first floor, and it was unbelievable (and not in a good way).
Are American Girls really similar to the doll presented? A bunch of stereotypical smiling figures waiting to be loved by someone? I don’t think so, or at least I sicnerely hope they are not.
I went back to the shop, months later, in December, and this time I went through the whole store exploring the different floors. I was still dumbfounded while I was walking down the aisle trying the snake around the crowd. The customers were mostly familiar with the whole shop, and felt confident finding their way.
For them, it felt like a second home. They already knew what they were looking for, and seemed to know all the products. “Ah!” I heard them yelling at me. How dare I use the term “product”, I am certainly hurting the feelings of these almost human stars! Some of you are certainly still trying to understand what I am talking about, and may end up 
thinking it’s a kind of pet store. But don’t deceive yourself, it’s not the case.
American Girl is a brand where plenty of different dolls are presented. You may still think there is nothing special about this; however, the world of American Girl is a whole world unto itself.
I had entered into the kingdom of the almost human dolls. They just need a brain, senses, and heart to become one of us. However, it seemed that I was the only one who noticed the missing parts. All the people in the shop were fine with that. The higher 
you go, the less conventional it becomes. The first floor has a range of dolls with different characteristics: hair color (blonde, redhead, brunette), hair style (smooth/straight, curly, short, long), accessories (glasses, braces, wheelchair) or fashion (classy, casual, sporty).
You can also order an exact copy of yourself in doll form. For this, you just need a picture and few days to get your look-alike delivered to your home. The next floor is divided into different sections to distinguish between their origins, you have, for example the Mexican, the Native American, the African American, and so on. Every doll has a specific background with a unique legend. You can get familiar with her by reading the different books about her life. Yes, young but already on a pedestal.
They also have a personalized universe with accessories, clothes, and friends. The most amazing part is at the top floor where you have a seat, a range of services are offered to these ladies: beauty center, piercing shop, photo studio, and dry cleaners. The main question I asked myself over and over is about who is more excited, the mothers or their daughters? The funny part is that most of the little girls who carried their “baby” looked like adults. They were confident and responsible, maybe too much for their age. Aren’t toys supposed to bring levity in a child’s life?
Christmas is coming and maybe some little girls wish to have one of the dolls. I hope Santa is not suffering too much from the economic crisis because he will need a deep pockets to afford one of these dolls!
By Kenza Yarhfouri
