Don’t Go Looking for American Girl in Albuquerque

Although its latest “Girl of the Year” doll, Saige (pictured), is from Albuquerque, the American Girl company isn’t currently planning to open one of its stores in New Mexico. (Photo courtesy of American Girl)

Saige may be from Albuquerque, but shoppers won’t find her anywhere around the Duke City.
The new “Girl of the Year” doll from the American Girl company, Saige Copeland is only sold online or in one of the American Girl-branded stores. Albuquerque doesn’t have an American Girl retail shop and isn’t likely to get one any time soon.
“We’re not planning to open any retail stores in New Mexico at this time,” company spokeswoman Susan Jevens said in an email today.
The latest in a line of “Girl of the Year” dolls, Saige Copeland made her debut on Tuesday. As Journal staff writer Amanda Schoenberg reported last week, the Saige character is a “9-year-old Albuquerque girl who loves horses, art and spending time on her grandmother’s ranch.”
Local Saige fans can buy the $110 doll (which comes with a book) at americangirl.com or maybe pick one up on vacation. There are 14 U.S. cities with American Girl stores; Denver is the closest for Albuquerque residents.
Customers can buy various accessories for Saige, including a horse named Picasso ($94, or $132 with parade saddle), a miniature hot-air balloon ($150) and Saige’s easel and painting supplies ($48).
Saige is also the subject of some new books, which are more widely available than the doll. An American Girl spokesperson said Barnes & Noble is among the retailers that will carry the Saige books.