Volks USA Tea Party Los Angeles March 15/16 2014

I'm hoping it means online FCS (i.e. no custom faceup option). There's a couple of things I might order if they go that route since I just wanted blank dolls anyway.

 

Oh no! That's very sad news. :-(

 

I've been very sad that Volks is closing their store. I had always dreamed of someday getting to visit or go to a Dolpa, but it looks like those days are over forever. It's great they're having a final goodbye event. I wonder what the tea party will be like? I suppose a mini Dolpa is too much to hope for.

 

Geesh--so many events happening in So. Calif. this year!!!! I'm sad that the store is closing... but I've definitely got the Tea Party dates marked down! That should be fun! Do we need to RSVP anywhere?

Does the Doll Doctor do re-stringing?

 

Hi April,

Yes, the dolly doctor can restring your doll. Volks hasn't posted yet about any details about how to apply for tickets yet.

 

I really hope they post some more details soon! I don't think there's any chance I could go, but it would be nice to know if it would be worth it to try.

 

Was looking at the blog and they recommended restringing every year! Does anyone actually restring every year? Wow. I must be a bad dolly owner since I've got dolls that have gone nearly 10 years without any restringing (although I'm thinking they really could do with a restringing by now!). Heh.

I'll have to look out for how to reserve an appointed with the dolly doc!

 

It sounds like there is potentially a lot number of people who are going to come to the March 15 - 16 (last official weekend), so on a hunch, I decided to email Volks and ask them if we have to pre-register or will it be a lottery base like some of the smaller Volks events or ??? This was there reply:

"We are currently considering some options about the admission for our last event, but nothing specific has been decided. We will post this information on our website as soon as we know more so please do continue watching there for news, as always."

In other words, just because you fly in and show up, doesn't mean you will get in the door.

The Volks LA Sumika is tiny and I can imagine if they have people flying in and driving from all over, this very likely to be a very swamped weekend! I would hate for anyone to be turned away or to sit and wait outside all day, only to be disappointed. I'm holding my travel plans until I know something more concrete. Heads up for anyone already going.

 

This brings back memories of the store opening in November 2005 -- that looooooooong line that formed early in the morning, then Volks did a line lottery, and I'm sure there were some mighty PO'ed folks who were at the head of the line originally (The BF and I swapped tickies, as he got a way better number than me.) Eventually everyone got in, but it was a long, long day for some...

 

Yeah... small store, lots of people... lots of trouble getting in... I wasn't in the line for those lotteries, but I remember hearing about them.

 

I never experienced those early events but I remember the stories as well. Long days ...

Just curious … is anyone thinking of a meet up on March 15 or 16 after going to the Volks store? I imagine the day is going to be very long - either waiting in line waiting to get in or being in the chaos of shopping in the showroom. It will be hard to socialize or admire anyone's dolls at Volks.

 

I was there for the opening too. It feels so long ago now. But yeah, that was one heck of a cluster you-know-what, and I was kind of glad I wasn't there to get a doll at the time. Ah, I'm really going to miss the store, though. I hadn't been there to visit in quite a long time because of moving and other life stuff, so I really hope I can make it to the closing. I wonder where they'll be having the tea party this time around, though. Opening weekend, the tea party was at a mansion the day before the store opened. I don't see them hosting it in that tiny store.

 

I'm surprised they haven't decided on the details yet. Surely they must realize people will come flying from all over. I'd sure like to, but this is such short notice.

 

Mmmm too much wishful thinking that they might make a doll release? Maybe the new YoTenshi Hinata? Ok, I guess not. ><'

I would like to try to go even though I am on the East Coast, I've never been to the LA store and was planning on going in the future (though not-so-near future). It's sad that they're closing but I really wanted to visit that store at least once. o.o I am looking forward to see more details on that, a mini Dolpa would be amazing.

May I ask if the LA International Airport is really the closest airport to the Volks Store?

 

Oof! That was a long hot day indeed! I drew a number that put me pretty far back in the line and it was miserable in the short term. In the long term, though, I'm happy we had so lengthy a wait. I made so many friends, some of whom I still get to see on a regular basis!

I won't be at the tea party but I'm curious to see what they throw together since they are indeed moving out of that office space.

For anyone flying in, the Long Beach airport is the same distance from the Sumika as LAX is but it's much much easier to navigate. There are fewer airlines, but check in and security are a breeze.

 

Its about the same as Long Beach, but has may more options than Long Beach, however that being said there are some good Jet Blue flights into Long Beach from the East. You might have to go thru Dulles. Its about 11 miles away for LAX or Long Beach. In the past we have landed at LAX at 8:40 AM and been down to get inline before they opened on event days. I would try to get there the day before for this as I expect it to be a mad house for the final events.

Bobby

 

Yeah, there are a lot of doll happenings this year! I&#8217;m not going to miss this event either.

It is last minute for an event that is quite significant to the fans. I hope they post details soon too, and I hope everyone who wants to attend can do so.

 

Great, thank you so much for the advice!
Currently planning how to get there on time for the Tea Party... oo~

 

Bit the bullet, booked my airline ticket today. (I'm also going to go in two weeks so I can be sure to get my FCS in.) Haven't picked a hotel room yet, but I'll grab a reasonable one on hotels.com or the like. Will probably stay closer to the airport than Torrance just for convenience sake when leaving out.

 

Oh no! I loved visiting the Volks store. I'll have to try and make it to the tea party with my friends!

 

Im still hoping that they have some one-offs at the tea party. so sad that they are closing.....

 

incase any one hasn't checked. the outfit release was moved to febuary 22. I just looked at the website

 

I don't really remember it being horrible for the opening day back in 2005. I got there early and there was a small line but I was also in the first group that got to go in and I headed straight to the Full Choice..for a doll they did not carry yet at this location! I had my back up doll though.

I will be attending since it seems like it's an end to an era. Makes me feel very nostalgic. I just worry that there will be more people there at the closing events then the opening since the hobby is so much more popular now.At least it wont be as hot...hopefully.

 

I'm planning on going, but with child care and lodging, and work schedule, it will be difficult. I emailed Volks a few days ago and they said they will have more info at the end of February. Kinda cutting it close, Volks?

 

Too close for many to go, I'm sure.

 

Yes, it is very short notice for me too I hope they hold an event on line as well!

 

I think Volks was not really expecting all this to happen... Also... in Japan, it is a bit easier to get around than it is here, so perhaps they are not used to planning very far in advance (plus, they are used to setting things up close-by, not way across the Pacific, so that might take longer than they are used to).

When they were thinking of doing a second L.A. Dolpa, people here were worried that they would not know early enough to make travel plans... And then it all just became too difficult, so Volks cancelled plans for more L.A. Dolpas...

I hope they are planning for enough space for everyone who wishes to go. The Store itself is way too small for any event other than just shopping, I think!

 

It really is unfortunate that they are not able to give us a specific plan for what is going on with attendance. :\
I hope many people are still able to go though to say goodbye to the showroom. It was a really nice place to see all of their dolls and their pretty photospace.

 

I can't wait to find out more about the tea party. I'm dragging my poor husband with me this time.

 

Hahah. Katie, after awhile they just accept it. Mine was with me at the opening, but what is really great is that they get to the point where they are telling you about dolly deals. Just this morning mine said " hey I saw that Cecil Scarface you are looking for on ebay!"

 

Hee hee, your husband sounds awesome Aichan! Mine is COMPLETELY disinterested in the hobby - he thinks all the dolls look alike. He does, however, love making me happy. So off to the tea party we go! Anyone else a definite yes?

 

Oh no, they are closing down?! I had no idea...
I'm glad to at least find out before, rather than hear about it after they're gone, but it's such a pity.

 

The BF and I are going -- he's the one who decided that, LOL! We were both there for the store opening, and have been to all the west coast events, so it was important to round out things

 

I decided to gamble and fly down for the last weekend. I've got my plane ticket and just finalizing my hotel now.

I'm kinda nervous though because Volks is still being silent on the details for the Tea Party. It would be annoying to fly down and to be turned away because there is too many people. I guess we're all still playing the waiting game. I wonder if it's going to be at the shop or somewhere else? I'm looking forward to seeing everyone!

I think I'm just going to be traveling light and bring my Volks YoSD Kuuta. Maybe my YoSD Konomi or Kun. What about everyone else?

 

They updated the website with the details! Looks like there will be a lottery for attending the tea party and one for when you get to enter the store. They won't announce if you can attend the party until a little over a week before the event. That is too short of notice for me to fly out. Oh well. No mention of the sale on the website though, I wonder if they scratched that?? Either way I hope everyone has a great time and I look forward to pictures!

http://site.volksusa.com/blog/2014/02/22/tenshi-no-sumika-in-la-event-tea-party-2/

 

@NabeeRain The lottery for customers to enter the store (for the sale) is for the number to get into the store(like VOLKS Japan). They don't want people to wait hours before the event starts like Black Friday in the US. Only the Tea Party is having the lottery to get entrance to that event.

I hope this clears up the confusion.

 

I wonder where the tea party will be held. There is a 1 doll per person limit, which I thought was odd.

 

I believe it is being held at the store hence the one doll only rule. I don't think you can bring a guest this time either

 

Yay Donna! Hopefully we will both be drawn for the party. Does anyone know for certain if we have to enter the tea party lottery for both ourselves and our guests?

 

I wasn't confused, sorry if my post was unclear! yes, a lottery on when you can enter the store and one for who can attend the tea party.

 

Well at least we know how it's going to work. That's good news. But yes, very short notice. Sorry you won't be able to make it down NabeeRain. I understand wanting to know that you have a guarantee to get in. I'm already booked. Hopefully I will be able to be lucky enough to get a spot in the tea party but if not, at least I can go to the store and probably get in on the Saturday. And hopefully see some friends while I'm there.

 

I e-mailed Volks about that yesterday, just before 1pm, and got no reply that afternoon, so the BF and I each sent in our individual tea party lottery applications. It'll be hilarious if HE gets in, and I don't!

 

Good points, pris84! Even I cannot attend the tea party, the other events still sound like a lot of fun (as does FCS). Hmmm....maybe all hope is not yet lost

 

beamlette, we have the same situation with my husband, will see how it will turn out

 

I sent in my lotto entry for the tea party (Also same situation with a hubby attached). Still debating whether to do a FCS order... Just bought a new house. I think my priorities are skewed. Lol!

 

Definte Yes ! My husband made reservations before they announced how they were going to do it because I was getting twitchy. Is anyone else staying at the Miyako? We always stay there because of the baths and it is right next door to Mistuwa center.They have excellent customer service,clean rooms and super comfy beds.

Beamlette It will be nice to see you again! We saw each other in March when we were both picking up dolls. Are you bringing yoru awesome person again?

 

Hi, Aichan! I'm looking forward to seeing you, too -- and of course my BF will be there... I bet he'll get in the tea party, and I'll be sitting outside, LOL!

 

I just got an e-mail confirmation for my lotto entry for the tea party. The Volks USA Staff was understanding and allowed me to have a +1 to my count. =)

 

Oh... I didn't know the information for the lottery to enter the Tea Party portion is up (over on the Volks USA blog). I still don't see how any Tea Party can fit into the store!!! But I will be interested in finding out!

 

Me too! I didn't see any mention about price either, so maybe it will be held in the store. If so, I hope it won't be too uncomfortable.

 

That is going to be one small party if it's at the store! Probably about 20 people. But from a time of 4:00 to 5:00 pm is a very short Tea Party. I guess we'll know more on March 7.

 

Unless they hold it in the warehouse portion? Remember they had it set it to check out through the warehouse at the opening day. That is also where the Doll Doctor was.

I am hoping that they do like the other tea parties and make it plus 1 for everyone since some of us have partners that hold the wallet haha.

 

I put in my FCS appt and my lottery entry for Tea Party
I hope I get lucky

 

According to the staff, they have two venues lined up for the tea party, one larger and one smaller- they wanted to tally all the lottery entries to see how many people want to attend. Then they'll reserve a venue that'll (hopefully) fit everyone.
But of course there's always the chance that there'll be too many people who want to attend... so the lottery's there as backup.

 

Oh, that is wonderful news Chobi! I hope they have a big enough venue that all the Volks lovers can attend the tea party.

 

That sounds great. Hopefully everyone who wants to, is able to attend. I am pretty excited but anxious too!

 

I put in my lottery entry as well. I will make the drive out from Arizona. If anyone else gets in (and I get lucky too) from the Phoenix area and wishes to carpool, give me a yell

 

I also entered for the tea party. I'm either going to drive down or fly, I'm just kind of winging it at this point. I hope I can at least visit the store once before it closes, and at least I know if I show up I'll be in good company of old friends.