Games, Playthings, and Plush

Great Additions (From page 90) haps her best source of information is talking to guests to better understand what they’re looking for. After identifying potential new merchandise options, she looks at her overall marketing and retail strategy to ensure that new items are a good fit for her retail space and fit within a price range customers expect.

Visiting shows across the country, and speaking with vendors, works well for Tobias. “When I visit shows I think back to when I was a kid,” he said. “I look for vendors who fill me with the same magic of when I received a favorite toy as a kid. I want to create the same type of connections for my customers in the merchandise we sell.”

McFaul learns a lot from attending trade shows as well. “I keep an open mind when making purchases and am willing to try new items,” she said.

Vasley relies on sales representatives who have worked with her for a long time. “If you don’t have trusted sales reps, go to trade shows,” she advised. ❖

Paper Puzzles

dodoland is a New Zealand based company with big plans. Their EUGY paper puzzles are a worldwide success story and are distributed in the USA from their Los Angeles, Calif., warehouse.

(Contact Sales Director Kevin Topham at sales@eugy.com for more information. For additional information, circle 15 on the reader service card.)