KidsStuffToymaster turns25

What’s your background?

After I left school I had a couple of jobs, from working in a pub kitchen to picking in the Clarks Shoes distribution centre. After that I went into retail, working for a supermarket for a few years until I had my first baby. Then I went back to workthis time for myself at Kids Stuff - and I’ve been here for the past 25 years.

Why did you decide to move into toy retailing?

I always loved playing ‘shop’ as a child.

Tell us a bit about your business.

We first opened the doors on April 1 1998 as a shop selling good quality secondhand nursery equipment and clothes. In 2010 we were approached by Toymaster to become a member. We’re in the Somerset city of Wells on Queen Street. We started off small, in just one room, and then quickly opened a bigger showroom.

How many brands do you carry?

We carry a wide range of items from many of the big brands and a few of the lesser brands too. Our key suppliers include LEGO, House of Marbles, Asmodee, Kayes of Cardiff, Toynamics, DKB, Peterkin, Hippychick, and Keeleco from Keel Toys, to name just a few.

How do you find products?

Many reps and agents visit us - they also keep us updated by email. We like to go to as many trade shows as possible such as Toy Fair, Spring Fair, Toymaster regionals - and a few times we’ve been to the Toymaster May Show in Harrogate.

What's your selection criteria?

If we don’t like it, we won’t stock it.

What are your hot products?

Pokémon, Playmobil, Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty, pocket money toys and, last but not least, LEGO.

What lines are new for you?

We recently started selling Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty.

How has trading been for you so far this year?

Well, the beginning of the year was a disaster because we had a water leak in the roof and it took four months to get sorted. We had to shut two-thirds of the shop. But since it was repaired in the week after Easter, we are doing well.

Have you been affected by price rises and stock shortages?

Yes, some of the price increases have been quite big, and we have scaled back some of our ranges.

Have you noticed a change in purchasing patterns in light of the cost-of-living crisis?

The spending patterns of our customers have changed; they are shopping around and price-checking on websites like Amazon.

But we offer a better shopping experience because they can see and feel the product and take it with them, rather than having to wait at home for a delivery.

What's next for your business?

We have four children that are rapidly taking over the business as we slow down and take a bit more of a back step: manager Jasmine (aged 31), book-keeper Thomas (28), sales assistant Meghan (17), and Florence (11) who is head of research and development!

What's your favourite toy or game of all time?

Downfall from Hasbro Gaming.

What's your favourite toy or game on your shelf?

LEGO’s Harry Potter sets.