Games, Playthings and Plush

like key chains and magnets elsewhere, and jewelry separate from that.” She related that this is the easiest way for game-time fans to come into the store, find what they want and get back to the ballgame. Licensed toys are all that the store carries in the large, two-level facility. “Upstairs, we have the Phanatic attic, and we have big baskets of the plush figures of all sizes there. We keep the children’s apparel section upstairs, too, which makes it easy for parents to find gifts and for the kids to shop, as well.” Additionally, the store occasionally posts photos of its toy items on social media, which adds to interest in the in-store toy displays.

In Hurricane, W.Va., Chad Rogers , general manager and head buyer at Sports Fanz reported that his topselling toys are “Big Shot Ballers from a company out of Lima, Ohio called Party Animal. They are a cross between an action figure and a bobble head, and we have them for baseball, football, basketball, and hockey and soccer, too.” He noted that the company also does a smaller “teeny-mate” version and mini figures with oversized heads that come in collectors sets. The collectors set are the newest toys in the store; many are unique. “Those are selling like crazy,” he added.

Rogers keeps toy items together by the type of sport they represent. “We try to keep the NFL toys together, and then basketball and baseball. We will put new items prominently upfront in the store, if possible, we’ll even peg them to a big rack that we have.”

Whether college team or professional sports team, all merchandise in the store, including toys are officially licensed.

And in Omaha, Neb., at Husker Hounds, Manager Brett White has both plush toys and bouncy balls that

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