The first American Girl outlet opens this weekend in Hershey. Here's what to know.
Sarika Jagtiani
Until this weekend, American Girl fans have had to make the trip to New York City, Washington, D.C. or farther to get the in-person experience.
Now their drive will be a little shorter and potentially cheaper as the only American Girl outlet store in the country opens in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
The 2,200-square-foot store in Hershey's Tanger Outlets (46 Outlet Square, No. 142, Hershey, Pa.) opens Saturday, Aug. 11.
But don't expect to just waltz in and pick up discounted dolls and accessories.
The opening has a ticketed system, likely because the first outlet opening could be a spectacle.
Here's what to know if you're going to the Hershey store this weekend:
What to expect from the store
The store will carry a variety of excess and discontinued dolls, accessories and clothing from American Girl brands.
The outlet will not, however, offer the hair salon or ear piercing you'll find at one of the regular American Girl retail stores.
You can't just walk in (at least not this weekend)
Visiting the brand-new store will require a ticket for its opening weekend. Doors to the store open at 9 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday, but tickets will be handed out two hours ahead of opening each day.
Once you get to the Tanger Outlet center, go to the ticket table at the end of the walkway by Tommy Hilfiger.
NASA, American Girl collaborate on doll
You'll pick up a ticket for entry into the store — but it might be a long wait from the time you get your ticket to the time you get into the store. So wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to wait outside.
Also be prepared for disappointment, a la the great Build-A-Bear snafu of 2018. American Girl reserves the right to cut off ticket distribution at any time "based on space and timeframe constraints," according to the website.
The good news is that they guarantee admission to the store if you have a ticket. And everyone — even kids in strollers — must have a ticket to get in. One person can wait in line and get tickets for the rest of the family.
Prepare to wait and get wet
This isn't a Chick-fil-A opening, so don't expect to see tents lined up outside the day before. The store says no overnight campers allowed.
They also warn that the ticket system is going on rain or shine, so pack an umbrella.
There's a 50/50 chance of rain on Saturday, which could also mean thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service. The high is expected to be about 80.
Sunday's forecast is almost identical: 50 percent chance of rain, a chance of storms, and high near 81.
DELAWARE LIFE
His search for a TV to watch football led him to his bride
20 (and more) classic Delaware eateries you shouldn't miss
Milton city manager goes for simple, but professional, attire, has 'New York flair'