American Girl to expand to Canada via in-store boutiques

Middletown, Wis. -- American Girl, a division of Mattel, announced its first expansion outside the United States, with plans to open two experiential in-store boutiques in partnership with Indigo Books & Music Inc., Canada’s largest book, gift, and specialty retailer.



Opening in spring 2014, the new American Girl retail stores will be located in Indigo’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto, and Robson Street, Vancouver.



“For nearly 30 years, American Girl has been celebrating and encouraging girls through age-appropriate dolls, books, and experiences,” said Jean McKenzie, executive VP of American Girl. “Now, for the first time, we are thrilled to take the American Girl experience beyond the United States and inspire a whole new group of girls to achieve their personal best. We’re equally excited about partnering with such a well-established and creative company like Indigo.”



In addition to the brand’s signature doll lines, the Indigo American Girl store-in-store boutiques will carry Dress Like Your Doll girl-sized clothing and a variety of best-selling American Girl books. Fans can also treat their dolls to a new hairstyle or ear piercing in the Doll Hair Salon and enjoy free girl-and-mom-friendly events and programs offered throughout the year.



“I’ve loved American Girl since its inception,” said Indigo’s founder and CEO, Heather Reisman. “My daughters grew up with American Girl. My granddaughters are growing up with American Girl. We at Indigo are thrilled to be bringing this iconic and inspired brand to Canada.”