MIDDLETON, Wis., Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ — American Girl, a division of Mattel, today announced plans to move its renowned retail and entertainment site, American Girl Place(R) Chicago, to Water Tower Place. Located at the pinnacle of the city’s Magnificent Mile, Water Tower Place is owned and operated by General Growth Properties, Inc. (NYSE:GGP) , the second largest U.S.-based publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).
Scheduled to open in fall 2008, American Girl Place will move into space currently occupied by Lord & Taylor. The new 52,000-square-foot store will occupy the first and second levels. General Growth plans to fill the remaining Lord & Taylor space with a mix of specialty stores that will complement existing retailers.
“American Girl Place Chicago redefined retailing when it first opened in 1998. The move to Water Tower Place — one of the nation’s most recognized shopping centers — provides us with even greater opportunities for growth, such as offering a fun new experience for girls, expanding our Cafe to include a private dining area, and, ultimately, serving more customers,” said Wade Opland, American Girl’s vice president of retail. “We’re thrilled to be part of Water Tower’s mix of unique retailers and believe the move will enhance our ability to celebrate girls in an unforgettable environment.”
Home to premier retailers including Macy’s, as well as the famed Ritz-Carlton hotel, Water Tower Place is a unique shopping destination unmatched by any other retail venue in the city. Since acquiring the center in 2004, General Growth Properties enhanced the retail landscape of the center, adding nearly 20 new stores to its impressive retail line-up. In addition to top-quality shopping, the eight-level atrium offers dining and entertainment options for the entire family.
“Water Tower Place truly provides a one-of-a-kind experience that builds lasting relationships with our customers. The unbeatable location, top-quality retail mix, and dining and entertainment options are ingredients that fit perfectly with American Girl’s clientele,” said John Bucksbaum, chief executive officer of General Growth Properties, Inc.
ABOUT AMERICAN GIRL
American Girl, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NYSE: MAT) (NYSE:http://www.mattel.com) , the world’s leading toy company. Since American Girl’s inception in 1986, the company has devoted its entire business to celebrating the potential of girls ages 3 to 12. American Girl encourages girls to dream, to grow, to aspire, to create, and to imagine through a wide range of engaging and insightful books, age-appropriate and educational products, and unforgettable experiences. In meeting its mission with a vigilant eye toward quality and service, American Girl has earned the loyal following of millions of girls and the praise and trust of parents and educators.
To learn more about American Girl or to request a free catalogue, call 1-800-845-0005 or visit http://www.americangirl.com/ .
ABOUT GENERAL GROWTH PROPERTIES
General Growth Properties, Inc. is the second largest U.S.-based publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). General Growth currently has an ownership interest in or management responsibility for a portfolio of more than 200 shopping malls in 44 states, as well as ownership in planned community developments and commercial office buildings. The portfolio totals approximately 200 million square feet of retail space and includes more than 24,000 retail stores nationwide. General Growth Properties, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GGP. For more information, please visit the Company Web site at http://www.ggp.com/ .
