In the religion of my children, this is Mecca.

In the religion of my children, this is Mecca., originally uploaded by TomOwen.

I flew to Chicago last night for a meeting today. While sitting in the lobby this morning, contemplating a workout and hoping for a distraction, the answer walked before me. A man and his family of wide and two youn children was waving a red flag before me the same way daring members of the crowd wave at the combatants in The Running of the Bulls. Among the stroller and other ahreps duties, he had two big bags from the gift shop at the Vatican known as The American Girl Store. There was my workout. A mere 8 blocks away, I was at the outskirts of Bethlehem. A quick change of clothes and I was off.



This is the first store in the chain and still considered by the very ayy helpful staff to be year flagship store. 3 levels of American history meets "Home Ec." all with a price tag. Top business schools the world over are, or should be, doing case studies on this marketing brilliance.



This is a 3 level Laberynth of large cases with period scenes showing each doll, and maybe a friend or two set in a scene. In front of this case are a row of trading cards... Sort of. There is one card for every item in the case and the staff, (did I mention helpful?), will approach you and offer assistance while handing the children small folders.... For the cards.



These things really put the "trade" in Trading card. You trade them at the checkout for the actual merchandise while parents trade there credit cards as well.



It is a beautiful store and a great experience for the fans of American Girl.

Tom Owen

650.796.6936