This mega popular kids’ store has closed at The Falls in South Miami. What we know
The hits keep coming at The Falls in South Miami. Three years after department-store anchor Bloomingdale’s closed after 35 years, two more major retail destinations have shuttered.
Parents of young kids: Prepare to be very sad (or relieved for your strained wallets): American Girl is no more; the windows are covered at the vast space near the fountain with the dark pink facade.
The once-bustling weekend destination also included a bistro, the site of many high teas and birthday parties; a hair “salon,” where you could get your lifelike doll’s locks styled; and a repair station for any issues that came up with the toys, which are based on fictional characters from different periods of time.
The last remaining location in Florida is in Orlando, if your kid is really pining for one of the 18inch high figurines that run just around the $115 mark.
It’s unclear what will take AG’s place, but the brand has been struggling since pre-COVID, and took a hit with some fans back in late 2022, when a controversy erupted over a new book about body image and gender identity.
“It has been our privilege to serve the Miami community for the past 10 years,” said company spokeswoman Julie Parks in a statement provided to the Miami Herald. “We thank our
customers for their loyalty and look forward to continuing our valued relationship with them.”
Eleven AG stores, including the one near Disney World, remain throughout the United States.
The second store that we know of to go dark at The Falls is high-end handbag designer Brighton. The cheery meets cozy store had a kitchen in the back and was known to serve warm chocolate chip cookies to customers. The treat
was a welcome distraction after you laid out $400 plus for a leather purse featuring the signature, dangling heart charm. The bright spot: The location at Shops at Pembroke Gardens remains.
Also, for weary shoppers needing a bite after all that retail therapy: Top Chef star Ralph Pagano’s Naked Taco Mexican restaurant opened on Friday.