THE SECRET POWER of the Small Toy Store

challenge. When licensed apparel is not available, Wright works with a vendor who creates apparel with artwork that complements the licensed product in the store.

Price is also a factor, and Wright finds it necessary to say “no” to some of the more expensive products.

The pandemic caused challenges of its own, shutting down the all-important trade shows and causing supply chain backups. Wright’s solution was to dig into her resources, always research new vendors, and jump on buying opportunities when they arose.

The Everything for Play! shop staff has learned what sells and how best to inspire play. Toys that fit with the mission, appeal to both kids and adults and create memories of the museum visit are keys to their success. “If it’s right, it will sell,” said Wright.

The Everything for Play! shop has a similar challenge to many small toy stores: the low-priced, well-stocked competition of Walmart, Target and Amazon. According to General Manager Nick Grocock and Retail Buyer Laurel Wright, the advantage of Everything for Play! and small toy stores like it lies in their ability to stay nimble and be flexible. Fresh stock, new displays and creative merchandising are crucial to keeping the sales rolling. Other pieces of the puzzle are the importance of doing research on vendors, being flexible to change and finding new ways to get the right products. Independent toy stores that get stuck in their ways won’t easily succeed. Retail is always changing, and the small toy store must be able to adapt itself. In order to compete, they need to be flexible to change, stay connected to vendors, be innovative with product and keep the store looking fresh.

The staff has also learned what kind of atmosphere is best to inspire sales. Replenishing low stock and friendly customer service are crucial, especially in a store that caters to families.

The staff are ready, eager and excited for the museum’s renovation to be complete. The new space will be bright, colorful and fun – a place to inspire imagination – and will be renamed the Playhouse. The store will be moving to its permanent home in June 2023. With 2,200 square feet to work with, there will be areas for children and adults to play with toys, a fun selfie wall, giant decorative Jenga towers, colorful displays and room for twice the SKUs they currently carry. While the temporary space only has room for 365 SKUs, the new one will be able to house a whopping 700-plus SKUs.

The Strong National Museum of Play is hoping to see over a million visitors this year, with each of them finding their way to the museum store. Over the past three years the store staff has proven they have what it takes to inspire sales and inspire play, no matter what the challenge. This year, they’re hoping their store will give a million people a million reasons to play.