Games, Playthings and Plush

together in those ways. Now that the world is getting back to regular activities, we see that many families are continuing to enjoy some of those pandemic-discovered activities like puzzles.”

At Genuine Toy Company, Elle Dare , owner and buyer, said they’re known for their realistic looking and unique stuffed animals, including wombats and plesiosaurs. Additionally, customers come to the toy store specifically for their Calico Critters, since they are known to carry the entire line.

Further, axolotl and blobfish toys are really hot at the shop. Kids may have gotten to know the axolotl because they were included in Minecraft, but even if customers aren’t familiar with the salamander-like animal, they are attracted to this cute creature that seems to always be smiling, Dare said.

The store specializes in retro games, so for them, it’s not necessarily about simple or complicated toys selling better. What really makes a sale is if a toy is something a customer used to play and remembers fondly, explained Dare.

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