AGPC a madhouse at Christmas??

[mom4four]

We will be in Chicago for Christmas (21-26) and my DD is so excited for another trip to AGP, but my Aunt has told us to forget about it, that during the time frame we'll be there it will be so crowded we'll have to wait in line just to get inside and it will be so crowded and the lines will be so bad I won't be able to purchase anything unless I want to stand in line half the day(I can't imagine going and not purchasing anything!).Those of you that live near AGP has this been your experience? I want to prepare DD so she isn't disappointed when we get there if that is the case (of course we'll still go I'd just like to know what I'm in for) When we went late summer we had a great time and stayed there for hours.

[ams37]

It really depends what time of day you go. I have seen lines to get in the place and of course it can be a madhouse, but it can also be that way on any given weekend.

Your best bet is to call the store and make an appointment with a personal shopper. This way if there is a line to get in you don't have to wait. Also your purchases will be paid for in the personal shopping area, so you won't have to wait in the long lines at the regular registers.

I use my personal shopper every time we go wether they are busy or not because 1. she is awesome and I like to help her meet her goal and 2. she makes my daughter feel so special.

If you plan on going this route you may want to call asap as I know their time slots are filling up quickly. Enjoy your visit-Alicia

[vew-tori]

ams37, I was wondering about the PS appointment. We have an appointment at 9 am on the Friday after Thanksgiving. I think the store opens at 9:00 and I was thinking there may be a line to get in. Is there a place outside to check in? If I remember correctly in Chicago the Congeierge (sp?) is just inside the door. We have never been to NY before. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give us. I'm prepared for the crowds but I'm not sure DH is - LOL.

ETA: Mom4four, I say go for it and have a great time!

<font color="#33CCCC" size="1">[ November 08, 2006 07:50 AM: Message edited by: vew-tori ]</font>

[czy4AG]

I'm not sure about the Chicago one BUT the NYC is always crowded during the holidays. Kind of funny the girls & Moms are all looking around and most of the Dads are staying way out of the way usually close to walls [img]smile.gif[/img] , including my DH!!!

Having said that - we still go in no mattter how busy it is - I can't keep my DDs out of there [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ams37]

Originally posted by vew-tori:
ams37, I was wondering about the PS appointment. We have an appointment at 9 am on the Friday after Thanksgiving. I think the store opens at 9:00 and I was thinking there may be a line to get in. Is there a place outside to check in? If I remember correctly in Chicago the Congeierge (sp?) is just inside the door. We have never been to NY before. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give us. I'm prepared for the crowds but I'm not sure DH is - LOL.


<font color="#33CCCC"><font size="1">[ November 08, 2006 07:50 AM: Message edited by: vew-tori ]</font></font>

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I'm not sure how this works because thankfully we've never had to stand in a line but I would assume they would have someone out there to check appointments. I know around the holidays they have someone holding the doors open so perhaps that would be the person you check in with? If you call a ps I would ask them how it works and please let the rest of us know.

<font color="#33CCCC" size="1">[ November 08, 2006 08:10 AM: Message edited by: ams37 ]</font>

[[email protected]]

I would say the suggestion about making an appointment with a personal shopper is a great idea. But if you can't get one, I would say to go anyway. I don't remember the line wait being especially bad, and I think that last year they had people serving hot chocolate to the people waiting outside. And there's a really nice doorman all decked out in a great Victorian-style doorman coat and top hat, who is very nice to you. Just think of it not as a wait for the real event to start, but rather as all part of the wonderful experience! [img]wink.gif[/img]

Once you're inside, it can be pretty crowded, but everyone is usually pretty good-natured and nice, and that is part of the experience too. But I would suggest not bringing any human babies or strollers along, if you can help it. [img]wink.gif[/img]

Joy [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Hquads4]

Last year I was there the 3rd week in December and it was a bit crazy but I agree that it can be that way on any special weekend. But that is part of the fun at christmas time. Call the store & set up with a Personal Shopper. They are great and will take you to a special check out area when you are done shopping so that you don't have to wait in line to check out. That can speed the process and usually they will meet you by the concierge desk right in the front door. Bundle up and dress warm in case you do have to stand outside for a bit, though I never have had to, the Christmas windows are fun to watch. And as soon as you are in the building use the free coat check service to stow your coats away.

I say go for it. But Call for a PS right away. I have my appointment scheduled for December 2nd and can't wait. I love shopping for my DD in the store and she usually ends up getting something extra because I just can't resist when I see it in person.

Enjoy the trip!

[OSusannah]

Last year we went to AGPC in Oct., when they were hosting a triathlon and it was so packed, we couldn't move. We had to get out to breathe! So it's not just Christmas, it could be any time. Going on a weekday, either when they first open or just before they close is when I would think would be the least crowded. We're supposed to go this Friday, hope it's not too crowded then!

[dolllover]

I've only been to AGPNY around Christmas and it was a madhouse inside and out. There is usually a line out the door and half-way down the block! [img]eek.gif[/img] [img]confused.gif[/img] Hope that helps a little. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Southpaw22]

We were just at the Chicago store last weekend, and THANK GOODNESS we had an appointment with a PS!! We arrived at 10:00 AM, and there was a line to get in the front door, and the front area was shoulder to shoulder with people! The historical area was crammed packed on the way to the PS office. Our PS was spectacular!! She took my incredibly long list of items, buzzed through the store and fought the crowds for all the items while we sat in her comfortable office chit chatting with another great PS, and came back 10 minutes later with EVERYTHING! After that, she took us to the front of checkout lines that trailed all the way back to the elevator, and checked us out ahead of everyone else. Needless to say we got some very dirty looks, LOL, but the experience was incredible!! Definately go, but make sure to get an appointment! You can even email your PS a list ahead of time, and it will all be waiting for you. There's nothing like an AG experience, and I think the holiday crowds are just part of it all!! Go, and tell us all about your trip!