American Girl Store At Mall Of America Will Close

BLOOMINGTON, MN — It's the end of an era for many Minnesotans. The American Girl store at the Mall of America — which first opened in 2008 — will close March 20.

The MOA announced the news Thursday.

"Following a strong 2018 with increases in traffic and sales across the property and specifically in our entertainment/attractions categories, Mall of America continues to change and grow with a focus on a vibrant and unique tenant mix to meet the demands of the evolving retail and entertainment landscape," the mall said in a statement acquired by KARE 11.

The American Girl store in Boston will close as well, reports the Star Tribune.

"It has been our privilege to serve these communities for more than a decade, and we thank our loyal customers for their patronage and look forward to continuing our valued relationship with them," Wade Opland, vice president of retail for American Girl, told the newspaper.

"While decisions that impact our associates, our customers and the community are always difficult, the closures are a necessary step to improve the overall health of our business and reinvest in key areas of growth."

A total of 15 full-time and 31 part-time employees at the Mall of America will be impacted.

American Girl is owned by Wisconsin-based Mattel Inc.

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