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OPINION
Talking retail
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TnP loves to hear your views. In the week that nonessential shops rolled back into action, we asked retailers to share their trading experiences
Amanda Alexander Owner, Giddy Goat Toys Didsbury, Manchester Tell us about Giddy Goat Toys. It’s a small toy shop in the suburb of Didsbury in Manchester. We opened in 2012 and although small, our store punches above its Amanda weight in terms of the amount and variety of Playmobil with stock we have in here! who is h Polly, Our range is varied but I cherry-pick products be back o appy to u that I think have lots of play value or give value shop after tside the for money. I deal with about 25 suppliers and isolation fobeing in r three stock the main brands such as Lego, Playmobil months and L.O.L. alongside wooden toy ranges from Le Toy Van and Big Jigs, Orchard Toys puzzles and games, a big selection of books and lots of arts and crafts stuff from Galt, Top Model, Djeco and Interplay. There’s a Papo stand, a pocket money bay and an outdoor toys stand, along with action toys such as Robo Alive and Goo Jit Zu, plus loads of cards and wrap. I think it’s the variety that people like. Both in-store and online, I try to make sure there’s something for everyone in terms of interest and budget.
“I’m feeling positive: customers are pleased to see us and there’s definitely pentup demand”
How was reopening for you?
Great! Monday 12 April was busy with queues outside at some parts of the day. The rest of the week was good – not overwhelming but steady – and certainly above what I would normally take on a weekday. So there is definitely pent-up demand. I’m feeling positive: customers are pleased to see us open again and there’s a great buzz. Have I missed them? Yes, I have! Obviously from a financial point of view we’ve missed having footfall, although online has kept us going. But I’ve missed the banter with the kids and grown-ups. What do you think of the government’s suggestion of staying open until 10pm? To be honest, shops in the Trafford Centre and the Arndale Centre in town are already open late. As we’re in a suburb it wouldn’t work for us unless everyone in the local high street did a concerted effort. But I think given that we’re open seven days a week as it is, most people can get to us if they want to. What’s been selling well for you so far? Footballs and frisbees. Otherwise it really is a mix of things: games, craft, LEGO and Robo Alive dinosaurs. Have there been any surprise purchases? I think the boy who chose a Super Soaker Nerf gun might have been a bit optimistic - and I think his parents might be in for a surprise when that’s loaded up and they realise that although the sun may be out, it’s really not that warm!
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Amir Yusef Owner, Totally Awesome Hebden Bridge and Halifax in West Yorkshire; York in North Yorkshire Tell us about Totally Awesome. We launched in 2017 in Hebden Bridge. A second store followed a year later at The Piece Hall in Halifax, and a third store opened last year in York. We stock a wide range of high-quality cool toys, games, outdoor and street sports equipment, generally not “It’s important found on the high street. for us to have Key categories are skateboards, scooters, kites and other outdoor people walk toys, games, puzzles, RC and through the juggling props. We have about 30 active suppliers and key brands door because include Asmodee, SLAMM, Spirit our stores are of Air, Waddingtons, FTX (RC), quite interactive Big Potato Games, Oddballs Juggling and Enuff. and many of our How was reopening for you?
products sell well because we demo them to customers”
Very good. We made lots of improvements in lockdown and had the chance to source new products despite manufacturing and supply chain challenges. Reopening was very busy with above average sales. We had only two days where we had to ask some shoppers to wait at the door. Customers have been really accommodating, patient and respectful of our Covid changes. It’s very important for us to have people actually walk through the door because our stores are quite interactive and many of our products sell well because we demo them to customers.
What do you think of the government’s suggestion of staying open until 10pm? I don't see the point. Footfall generally tails off by 5pm and families want to go home to have dinner and settle for the evening. So do we and our staff. What’s been selling well for you so far? Skateboards, kites and flying toys continue to do well for us. Family games and puzzles also remain popular.
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