RETAILERS REVELATIONS
TOP SELLERS
“We currently have a range of bestselling products,” explains owner Julie Logan. “From the traditional classic wooden toys like Bigjigs Baby Walker and Wooden Rail Sets to more contemporary favourites including Orchard Toys Shopping List Game and Hape Press and Slide Jungle Run. The Puppet Company’s Puppet Buddies are always enjoyed, as are Usborne Little Sticker Dolly Dressing books.”
The Olive Branch
IN NUMBERS
Based in Castle Donington, Leicestershire, the owners of family-run The Olive Branch Toy Shop, established in 2016, aim to put a smile on the face of everyone who visits them, with their friendly service and range of toys and gifts sourced from responsible and ethical suppliers.
GETTING DIGITAL
“To have a toy shop closed throughout November seems unthinkable. But fuelled by mince pies and plenty of tea, we were kept busy gift wrapping and packing toys and gifts ordered online. We put lots of time and effort into making sure all our products were available on our website and making it user friendly.”
OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
Above: The Olive Branch team is made up of five members of staff.
Above: During lockdown, the team delivered orders to local villages free of charge to help the community.
FURTHER AFIELD
“We’ve often marvelled at the power of the internet during lockdown, that someone living so far away could find our little toy shop online and place an order.”
MY HERO!
“There will always be a special place in our hearts for the Lanka Kade Deluxe Ark. From the moment we first saw it at our very first suppliers fair, we knew it would be the centrepiece of our shop. It certainly is a stunning decorative item as well as a treasured toy.”
SUSTAINABLE CUSTOM
“We’ve noticed that our customers too are much more knowledgeable and appreciative about the way our products are made. Environmentally friendly toys crafted from sustainable or recycled sources are very popular.”
The Olive Branch’s oldest supplier is Lanka Kade – there’s even an ark in the shop’s logo. “Lanka Kade has been a brilliant supplier and a friend to us from the very start.” The newest arrival is Toynamics, in particular the Hape range of wooden toys.
STORE STATS
• “ We have five core members in our team.” • “ The average spend per customer is around £20.” • “ We refresh our window usually every fortnight. We aim to link in with seasonal themes and offers.” • “ Our last delivery was four boxes full of Hape products from Toynamics.” • “ Team member Alex has done the sums and reckons we can fit 1,000 Deluxe Lanka Kade Arks in our little shop.”
Above: Lanka Kade is the store’s oldest supplier.
Above: Julie says traditional favourites like soft toys are making a comeback.
NORMALITY RETURNS
The reopening period has gone well for the shop. “We’ve helped grandparents choose gifts for grandchildren they are about to meet for the first time and shared in the delight of children bringing their Christmas money to spend. After such a long time of having the shop closed, it’s been a truly uplifting return.”
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