Games, Playthings and Plush

Fixing to Cure (From page 99)

the past as have toy tool kits. In terms of plush, the 1,600-square-foot generally features Pillow Pets. For the upcoming holiday season, Manager Stephan Levacy-Sabin plans to bring in some LEGO. “I was at a show and looking through some of the LEGO merchandise available and I think it will sell.” He said he’s likely to stick with Star Wars and Avengers sets or other action/adventure themes.

At Dan’s Ace Hardware-Idaho Falls, toys reside squarely in the impulse section by the cash register so customers in the check-out line have a good view of them. “I fill the shelves with toys or use stand-alone cardboard containers to display toys,” said LevacySabin. It’s worked out well so far and the toy buying inclinations of customers is leading to a moderate expansion in that area.

Jolley’s in Salt Lake City, Utah, bills itself as a one-stop shop with a pharmacy, gift shop and florist all in one location. The approximately 5,000-square-foot retail space has quite a broad selection of gifts and in fact, has a whole section dedicated to toys. In terms of plush, Jolley’s sticks with Jellycats. “The name is synonymous with quality and people love them because they’re adorable and soft,” said Owner Kelly Elggren . Another trend she’s observed lately is people gravitating toward old-fashioned natural wood toys. “Parents and grandparents like them because they’re toxin-free.” Meanwhile, a charming brand of Danish-designed toys known as Maileg has found many fans in the community. “People love to collect all the little mice and their accessories,” Elggren explained.

A collection of vintage furniture that Jolley’s also happens to sell displays toys to their best advantage. “We invent themes and stories and put together collections of different items incorporating our vintage furniture pieces,” said Elggren. “We want the toys to look playable and we take them of any boxes they come in so people can see what they’re getting.” Jolley’s Gift, Floral and Pharmacy also provides free gift wrapping. “A lot of people who come by for gifts or last-minute items love knowing they can get it wrapped and out the door. I think just making things playable and touchable so people can see and