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November 27, 2007
Gotz and Engel Doll Sale!
Just what you've been waiting for . . . a sale on the Precious Day Doll Collection by Gotz AND the Sarah Collection of Dolls by Gotz PLUS the Engel Dolls made in Germany (that's right - not in China!)
The Precious Day Collection of 18 inch dolls includes Elisabeth (the brunette), Jessica (the blonde) and Julia (the redhead). The nice part about these dolls is that they are exactly the same size as American Girl Dolls (including shoe size) and they can hold a pose too. These dolls have rooted hair instead of a wig.
(If you remember, Gotz made the original American Girl dolls for many years.)
The Sarah dolls are all-vinyl instead of having a soft body. They are a little taller than American Girl dolls ie 19.5 inches instead of 18 inches BUT they still wear the same size clothes! The blonde Sarah is a Ballerina. The redhead Sarah comes with her dog, while the brunette Sarah is busy at the Spa!
The Engel dolls are also all vinyl but they are jointed so they can really sit (none of those legs sticking straight out poses for them!)
AND we have one boy doll, Peter, left to serve as a big brother or a friend to other dolls.
Make your choices and get a wonderful deal . . . especially if you buy on Thursday - our Customer Appreciation Day with automatic discounts!
Posted by dollcloset at 12:24 AM | Comments (0)
November 14, 2007
Why Do Dolls Cost So Much?
This question gets asked over and over . . . we printed an answer a few years ago and think it bears repeating!
Recently we received a letter from an Elementry student telling us that she "loves American Girl Dolls but why are they so expensive?"
Here's our reply:
" . . . our company sells clothing and accessories that FIT American Girl dolls - we don't make the dolls. That company is owned by Mattel - it was originally called Pleasant Company (the woman that started the company is named Pleasant Roland). Now the company is called American Girl.
As we are in business too, I can try to answer your question regarding the cost of American Girl dolls. First, the dolls are very well-made of quality parts. Many cheaper dolls have eyes that don't open or close and hair that cannot be brushed or styled.
Secondly, a business has to pay everyone involved in the creation of the doll from the face and hands sculptor (really!) to the design of the body, the attachment of the arms and legs to the placement of the eyes and the wigs of the doll. Some of the work is done by machine but most is done with the help of people working in a factory.
Next we have the costs of dressing the doll ie someone researches and designs the appropriate clothing, others find the fabric and trims, and others cut and sew the garments. In addition, there are shoes, underwear and accessories that must be found or made. And a box is needed to keep her fresh and ready for someone.
If the doll is a historical American Girl doll, like your Kirsten, other people research the life she would have for all the fun doll accessories . . . plus an author is paid to write the books that tell about Kirsten.
In other words, lots of parts need to be bought and many people are involved that need to be paid. All of the costs are added up and then divided by the number of dolls to be made. The final cost is increased two or three times to allow the company to afford a building, phones and the beautiful catalogs they mail at no direct cost to you. All of those costs are figured into the price of American Girl dolls.
If they used less expensive materials in making and clothing the doll, and didn't have books and accessories for the dolls - then the dolls would be cheaper. And there are less expensive dolls out there that are the same size as American Girl dolls, but they are not the same. Hope that helps! Millie@DollCloset.com
The other side of the coin is people asking us if we have any dolls NOT made in China . . . Yes, but they cost even more than American Girl and Madame Alexander!
For example, the Engel Doll Company (their dolls are pictured on this page) has been making dolls in the Bavarian section of Germany for years - they are wonderful . . . but you have to pay for labor costs that are well over the 14 or so cents an hour paid in China. It's a catch-22 situation!
Posted by dollcloset at 12:25 AM | Comments (3)
November 10, 2007
Madame Alexander Dolls on Sale!
The lovely eight and ten inch Madame Alexander dolls are reduced NOW (even on Sale Days . . . such as Monday Veteran's Day Sale) through November 15th. These are special dolls and make wonderful gifts this time of the year!
Above is one of our favorites, Winter Magic . . . unfortunately she's the last one we have. New this year and in stock are Four for the Holidays featuring a girl, Bear, Dog and Cat dressed up for Christmas fun! Also new is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer . . . complete with his own elf!
Take advantage of all the beautiful (and impish like Eloise) dolls available - including from films such as Lucy of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe!
Posted by dollcloset at 11:44 PM | Comments (7)
November 05, 2007
Doll Trunks Back In Stock!
Hooray! Our Doll Trunk vendor decided to keep making doll trunks in the USA . . . and our first shipment just arrived.
These are beautifully made, very sturdy and just right for any of your 16 to 19 inch dolls. One side has a brass bar for hanging doll outfits while the other side has ribbons to hold her doll in place as she is carried on visits. Also included are two drawers for socks etc. and an unbreakable mirror!
A real quality product that is practical too!
We are expecting trunks for Ginny dolls soon - we'll let you know when they arrive. In the meantime, we do have the Wardrobe Storage Box from Vogue dolls available - it's shown below.
Posted by dollcloset at 11:09 PM | Comments (0)
Madame Alexander Baby Doll Sale!
If you receive our email Newsletters, then you are aware of the Madame Alexander doll sale . . . every week during November we will feature different dolls on sale! Here's the schedule:
November 1 through 7 = Madame Alexander Baby Doll Sale
November 8 through 14 = Madame Alexander 8 inch Doll Sale
November 15 through 21 = Gotz Baby Doll Sale
November 22 through 30 = Gotz 18 and 19.5 inch Doll Sale
We admit it - we want you to shop in November while we have plenty of stock and not wait for December!
Madame Alexander Doll shown at top of page is: Saturday's Child Huggums designed by Susan Wakeen
Madame Alexander Doll shown below is: Raspberry Delight Pussycat Baby Doll
Posted by dollcloset at 01:54 AM | Comments (0)