Playgrounds across the Bay Area are likely buzzing in high-pitch squeals this week as little girls plan their first visit to the new American Girl store in Palo Alto.
The store has been under wraps for months at the Stanford Shopping Mall, but its door will swing wide open on Saturday morning.
For non-doll aficionados, the American Girl doll is considered the "Tiffany of toys," with prices starting at more than $100. Throw in the brushes, skirts and other accessories, and gift givers are looking at spending hundreds of dollars for each "Saige," "McKenna" and "Kanani," this holiday season.
The American Girl doll line started in Chicago in 1986. The company devotes its entire business to "celebrating the potential of girls ages 3 to 12."
The Stanford store is 15,000 square feet and has two levels. It has a restaurant and a hair salon. Humans can eat in the Bistro, but the salon is only for the dolls.
The store's grand opening this weekend is expected to be crowded.
A ticket system will be used with customers given a group number.
Tickets won't be handed out before 7 a.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. on Sunday and Stanford does not allow overnight camping.
