American Girl has unveiled doll hospitals and a salon at flagship stores in New York and Chicago to bring a bit more "retailtainment" to customers during the holiday season. The doll hospitals, available at both locations, will offer free doll medical and dental "checkups" and X-rays. Appointments can also be made for repairs. The New York locations will also have "Julie's Groovy World," a 1970s-themed living area focused on the popular Julie Albright doll. The space will be decorated with a rotary phone and beaded curtains. Chicago's American Girl Salon will offer matching hairstyles for girls and their dolls as well as manicures and ear piercing. The salon is currently available in New York. American Girl is a Mattel Inc. brand. American Girl has struggled, reporting a 22% net sales decline in the second quarter. Mattel stock has gained 6.6% for the year to date while the S&P 500 index is up 16.5% for the period.
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