Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post, just a super cool place we HAD to share.
Here at RNYM we scour areas close to us looking for fun for the children of Rockland County. Little (E) is growing at an alarming rate (don’t they all though?). She recently got really into the Bitty Baby Doll (Baby Natasha) that she received for Christmas 2 years ago. Since she didn’t show too much interest at the time (aside from sleeping with her), we never looked for any accessories for her. Lately she has been asking about getting her some clothing so that she doesn’t have to wearthe same pajamas every single day.
Enter Girl AGain. I don’t think that (E) is quite ready for the American Girl Store, I am sure that it won’t be long now, but she hasn’t been into the doll and accessories that long yet. I can’t wait to take her for the tea, and a day in the city, but not quite yet. I wanted to take her somewhere that she could pick something nice out though. Well, Girl AGain has been on our radar for a while, it has a mission that we ADORE and sells previously loved American Girl Dolls, clothes, and accessories. PLUS, its right in White Plains, a mere 25 minutes away from Rockland.
What is Girl AGAIN? Girl AGain is a store that is created by parent company Yes She Can Inc. Its goal is to employ Autistic Women. Here’s a small blurb from their website:
“Did you know that 80% of adults with autism are unemployed? We created our boutique specifically to help develop transferable job skills for young women with autism. Our trainees at Girl AGain sort, clean and prepare the merchandise, price it, and display it in our shop. Our trainees learn about marketing, merchandising, retailing, customer service, and inventory acquisition in addition to appropriate workplace behavior, research, collaboration and decision-making. We have staff who manage our accounting (Quick Books) and our website (WordPress).
Our customers learn about the abilities of people with autism. And hopefully, our youngest shoppers learn about acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities.”
So, since (E) had to miss camp for a Pulmonologist appointment, her grandmother and I decided to take her on a road trip afterwards as a treat.
Getting to Girl AGain is SIMPLE. It is a straight 25 minutes door to door, you can park right in the hotel (the underground entrance is RIGHT next to the store). Just press the button and let them know that you are there for Girl AGain. Walking into the store is magic- little (E)’s face lit up right away. We brought Baby Natasha with us to try things on and so that she could see as well. Although the space is small, there is SO much to look at. Tables and racks and nooks of special toys. The staff at the store was SUPER helpful, asking if there was anything special that we were looking for. Once they heard (E) was looking for Bitty Baby items they walked her right over to where they were and showed her the clothing.
(E) picked out a beach set, and a gardening set for Natasha, before heading over to the off-brand section where she added a backpack and a night gown to the collection.
Gran was looking for some clothing for the AG doll that she has at her house, and was able to find Samantha’s Pinafore (which is what she was looking for) as well as an Irish Step Dancing outfit that she is saving for (E) for Christmas since she dances for a local school. Gran also had questions about care for the dolls, and they had a wonderful guide all printed and ready that they handed her.
The ladies at the store were great, (E) was able to run her whole transaction like a big girl, and was handed her bag to go (she was SO excited). We had a fun little afternoon and she got some GREAT stuff to play with. Natasha left wearing her new night gown, and was changed into her beach clothes shortly after coming home.
The prices of the items are market value, in fact, the staff spends time checking the market value on sites like EBAY. There are some absolute STEALS there though, like (E)’s $5 flannel night gown or $2. What makes us even happier is spending the money for a good cause, not just spending it with a big company. This money, this experience makes a difference. These girls are special, and I mean I got to hear stories about their own dolls and learn about how they run the store, it was truly lovely and enjoyable.
Girl AGain isn’t just a store to visit to shop, they also run some fabulous events that are suitable for Birthday Parties, Girl Scout Troops, or simply a fun afternoon with friends. You can keep up to date with their class offerings by clicking HERE. We intend to post all classes (starting back up in September) on our calendar, and attend at least one now that (E) is old enough. Also, if you can’t get to the store to purchase items in person, you can always shop their online inventory HERE.
OH YEAH- if your little ones are finished playing with the AG dolls and you would like to donate them to the cause you can contact them HERE to send them what you have and make a donation.
**Side Note** Tons of people have been asking about where I found (E)’s outfit- the dress, belt and bow are from www.kennedygreydesigns.com and we get a discount RockMom15. The boots are payless. :o)
