American Girl Boutique and Bistro to Open in Dallas and Atlanta

MIDDLETON, Wis., Jan. 16 /PRNewswire/ — American Girl, a division of Mattel, today announced plans to open American Girl Boutique and Bistro(TM), a new experiential retail concept, in two premier shopping centers: Galleria Dallas and North Point Mall in Atlanta. The new stores are slated to open in mid-to-late 2007.


The American Girl Boutique and Bistro will carry a rotating selection of the company’s popular dolls, outfits, and accessories as well as a variety of its best-selling American Girl books. In addition, American Girl fans can treat their dolls to a new ‘do in the Doll Hair Salon and enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, or an unforgettable dessert in the casual Bistro. Designed as the ultimate place to celebrate girls’ birthdays and other special occasions, each American Girl Boutique and Bistro will feature separate party rooms where girls and their friends can enjoy American Girl-themed parties, complete with organized games and activities, special food and cake, and party favors. Various girl-and-mom-friendly programs and classes will also be offered at the store throughout the year.


“Given our success in experiential retailing in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, we’re excited to bring the new American Girl Boutique and Bistro concept to select markets and even more fans across the country,” said Wade Opland, American Girl’s vice president of retail. “With premier locations in Dallas and Atlanta, the stores will provide greater opportunities for new and existing customers to experience the American Girl brand in a fun, casual environment and celebrate special times together.”


Construction has already begun on the free-standing, 22,500-square-foot site in Dallas as well as the 12,000-square-foot space in Atlanta.


“We are pleased to welcome American Girl to Galleria Dallas, just in time for Galleria’s 25th anniversary,” notes Galleria Dallas general manager Peggy Weaver. “Galleria enjoys introducing its guests to shopping destinations that are unique to Texas and the Southwest, and now, the announcement of American Girl continues that tradition.”


“Any shopping center would be fortunate to have American Girl in their retailer line-up,” said Cris Burgum, general manager, at North Point Mall. “One of our main goals here is to provide a total experience. American Girl provides a one-of-a-kind shopping experience for mothers and daughters. We’re confident shoppers in Northwest Georgia will flock to this store and create wonderful memories.”


American Girl has been recognized as an industry leader in experiential retail since opening American Girl Place(R) Chicago in 1998. In November 2003, the company opened American Girl Place New York on Fifth Avenue, and American Girl Place Los Angeles opened at The Grove in April 2006. The phenomenally successful retail and entertainment sites have welcomed more than 15 million visitors to date.


ABOUT AMERICAN GIRL


American Girl, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NYSE:MAT) ( 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 GALLERIA DALLAS


Galleria Dallas is recognized as the premier shopping destination in the state of Texas and is home to 200 world-class retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Versace, Tiffany & Co., Thomas Pink, Karen Millen and a 4-star Westin Hotel. Galleria’s iconic ice skating center regularly welcomes elite skaters from around the globe, as well as those who lace up their skates just for fun. Over 19 million guests visit Galleria Dallas each year, making it the most popular attraction in the Dallas / Ft. Worth metroplex. To learn more about the famed shopping center, visit http://www.galleriadallas.com/ .


ABOUT NORTH POINT MALL


North Point Mall is a two-level, super-regional center located on Georgia 400 in the heart of Atlanta’s affluent North Fulton community. The 1.3 million square foot center is visited by 14 million shoppers every year. North Point Mall offers the perfect retail mix including a premier selection of stores such as Apple, Coach, J. Crew, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Sephora and Williams-Sonoma. North Point Mall is owned and managed by General Growth Properties, Inc.


ABOUT GENERAL GROWTH PROPERTIES


General Growth Properties, Inc. is the second largest U.S.-based publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trust based upon market capitalization. The Company currently has an ownership interest in or management responsibility for a portfolio of more than 200 regional shopping malls in 44 states, as well as ownership in master planned community developments and commercial office buildings. The Company portfolio totals approximately 200 million square feet of retail space and includes over 24,000 retail stores nationwide. The Company 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/ .