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What's Selling for Summer Fun

Pamela Brill -- Gifts and Dec, 7/25/2011 7:20:44 AM

Color Changing Robot Light kit. $17.99. Creativity for Kids. 800.642.2288. www.creativityforkids.com CIRCLE #959SHANANIGANS TOY STORE This specialty store may have a citybased address, but its local patrons help give it a neighborhood feel. Co-owner David Stelzer, who runs the business with his parents, notes which toys are keeping his customers busy this summer.

Click ‘N' Go vehicles from Playmobil

Domino Express series from Goliath Games

OgoDisk from OgoSport

Unicorno from Tokidoki

Barbie I Can Be...Computer Engineer Doll from Mattel

Entire Chicken Socks line from Klutz

Color Changing Robot Light from Creativity for Kids
Since this shop is located a short distance from a community swimming pool, Stelzer says there's a big draw when area kids are out of school. To keep his customers coming, Shananigans holds summer game nights once a week during after-store hours.

GROTON, CT
LEE'S TOY AND HOBBY
In business since 1952, this family-owned and operated shop, situated near a submarine base, is known for its wide breadth of remote-control vehicles, model-making kits and trains. But when it comes to best-selling toys, co-owner Lisa Marcus says it's the oldies but goodies that rule. Current favorites include:

Lincoln Logs from K'NEX

Jack in the Box from Schylling

Talking Chatter Telephone from Fisher-Price

Lego Harry Potter series from LEGO

Awesome Origami, Make Your Own Cupcake Soaps from Creativity for Kids

While her store stocks primarily nostalgia playthings in its toy department, everyday craft supplies are also popular within this transient community. "On a rainy day, people love to come in and buy glue, glitter and anything else they might need for a project to do with the kids," explains Marcus.

TUCSON, AZ
MILDRED & DILDRED
In this sprawling southwestern suburb lies a toy shop with an offbeat moniker that speaks to its playfulness. Owner Autumn Ruhe shares
some of her clientele's favorite things of late:

Sophie the Giraffe from Vulli

Rockabye Baby U2 and Beatles CDs from CMH Records

Hide ‘n Squeak Eggs from TOMY

Yookidoo Flow ‘N' Fill Spout from International Playthings

Club Earth Touchabubbles from Play Visions

     Subbies from Toysmith
     During summer months, this store caters to its toddler/preschool crowd with select storytimes and monthly staff-run plays. At press time, Ruhe was gearing up for a production of "The Three Little Pigs." Because her shop recently expanded its book section, Ruhe is seeing a lot of interest in picture books, board books and other pre-reader selections.
CADILLAC, MI
TOY TOWN
      A relative newcomer to the toy retail community, this husband-and-wife-run specialty shop will celebrate its third year in business this Labor Day. Co-owner Lincoln VanDrie reveals his current best sellers:

Spot it! from Blue Orange Games

Perplexus from PlaSmart

Jiayuan Micro Helicopter from Syma

Jiggly Jewels and Test Tube Wonders from Be Amazing!

Twilight Turtle from Cloud b
With summer in full swing, in-store activities heat up with extended weekly store hours and staying open on Sundays. Toy Town also partners with vendors like Be Amazing to host themed craft dates, like make-a-plate. "We also get supplies from the local hardware store to make stepping stones with the kids," says VanDrie.

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