HOLLISTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — If you've got an old American Girl Doll you just don't want anymore -- one local shop has got you covered.
Bene Raia is the owner and operator of American Girl Consignment on Washington Street in Holliston. While the stop is currently closed to in-person customers because of Covid-19 -- Raia has been holding online auctions during the pandemic, selling around 100 dolls each month.
"We have consigners from all over the U.S. and Canada," she said. "They mail the dolls in to us [and] once we receive the box -- we catalogue it, and then email them the consignment form. Once they sign the form, their doll goes into the next month auction."
Each doll typically sells for a price between $75 and $100 -- but the bidding starts low to gauge interest.
"We open every bidding at 5 dollars, so everybody is going to take a chance at something going for five dollars, that's why everything sells," Raia said.
Raia first began her career as an auctioneer by selling antiques. She later got into selling American Girl dolls and their accessories when the parents of her children's friends asked her to sell their old dolls.
"It just grew from there and I just love every moment of it, I just love the dolls," Raia said.
She added that the dolls are particularly sought-after on the internet right now because of more and more people seeking nostalgic toys from their childhood.
"I know the trend of 1980's toys being very popular, so that is right in line with the people who would collect American Girl dolls," Raia said. "They're looking for the 80's clothes, the 80's dolls --- they're adult collectors and they're younger collectors -- there's a big demand."
If you're interested in purchasing or selling American Girl dolls or accessories through Raia's auctions, you can visit the shops website or Facebook page.
WBZ's Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ) reports.
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(Photo: Courtesy of Bene Raia)