Games, Playthings and Plush

Hardware and Toy Shops (From page 173)

In their toddler section, said Dare, Fisher Price toys are hot, including simple items like whoopie cushions.

“People like those because now there’s so much tech,” said Dare. “They like something simple where they can use their imagination.”

Puzzles have always been popular at the shop, but during the lockdowns, people really got into them, said Dare. She said customers were reminded of how relaxing and fun puzzles are during pandemic times, and that’s why they’re still trending today. They carry a large selection of puzzles, of which 1,000-piece puzzles sell best. A large portion of the customers are into collage type puzzles, while the other half selecting landscape puzzles.

At the 12,000-square-foot Lake Forest Hardware, Card and Gifts in Lake Forest, Ill., Manager Chris Morgan said Melissa and Doug products and Jellycat stuffed animals sell best in their toy section. They strive to carry the best quality gifts such as these brands to serve the surrounding community that aren’t phased by a higher price point. According to Morgan, these brands also sell well because they are well known.

In general, simpler gifts sell best at Lake Forest because customers come in mostly looking for gifts for younger kids, Morgan said.

They couldn’t keep puzzles in stock during the pandemic in their 2,000-square-foot toy section, but nothing will reach the height of pandemic sales, commented Morgan. For a couple of years, they couldn’t keep puzzles in stock. Now, said Morgan, they’re seeing puzzles sales go back to pre-pandemic levels. It’s hard to tell whether this could change, however, he added, since we are just easing out of the pandemic, plus it’s summertime, and the

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