What's Selling: At-Register Sales Heat Up
Pamela Brill -- Gifts and Dec, 10/10/2011 4:39:19 AM
DURHAM, NC
THE PLAY HOUSE TOY STORE
With summer in full swing at this urban toy store, outdoor reigns supreme in the South. Owner Donna Frederick shares her customers top picks this season.
Tootle Turtle Racquet Ball from Melissa & Doug
Hand-Launch Gliders from Playmobil USA
Stow & Go from Ravensburger
Wee Wedgits from WEDGiTS
PO-KE-NO from Bicycle
During the summer months, Frederick sees quite a few customers coming in for camp-friendly toys. Games like PO-KENO, which she describes as a "deck of cards that meets Bingo," do well in large groups because they allow for multiple players. "It's also popular for family reunions," adds Frederick. For those in search of toys that travel well, the Ravensburger puzzle holder is a strong seller. "It's like an attaché case for people who want to take their puzzles to the beach or wherever they are going," she says.
SIOUX FALLS, SD
KIDTOPIA
A relative newcomer to the toy retailing community, this four-year-old shop serves the Great Plains region with plenty of playthings on the prairie. Owner Sheryl Nelson notes current strong sellers:
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PlasmaCar from Playsmart
Deluxe Ice Cream Parlor Set from Melissa & Doug
Live Frogs from Wild Creations
Foam Maverick Pogo Stick from Flybar
Earlyears Lil' Shopper Play Set from International Playthings
Teaching Cash Register from Learning Resources
Because her intimate store lacks space, Nelson didn't have any special events to lure customers into the store during the heat wave. She did, however, offer a personal touch by quenching shoppers' thirst with some lemonade - and, of course, lots of great products. "We rely heavily on our local customers and business from neighboring cities," she adds.
ST. LOUIS, MO
IMAGINE TOYS
With 26 years in business, this Midwestern specialty toy store has seen its fair share of summers. Owner Marge Versprille reveals which items are hot at the register this year.
Pumponator Balloon Pumping Station
Stomp Rocket Jr. from D&L
Snap N Soar from Kid Galaxy
Sophie the Giraffe from Vulli
OgoDisk from Ogo Sport
Fun Time Tractor from International Playthings
As record-breaking temperatures took much of the country by storm this past summer, Imagine Toys decided to make use of the extreme conditions by mailing out ‘beat the heat' coupons to its customer base. "Lots of people took advantage by coming in to shop and enjoy the nice air-conditioning," says Versprille, reporting a steady summer business.
WINCHESTER, MA
CATCH A FALLING STAR
One glance at the window display in this neighborhood New England store, and you'll know it's summer. Owner Deran Muckjian outfits his two shops (one is in Lexington) with Frisbees, hula hoops, water guns and other warm-weather favorites. Current summer best-sellers include:
Super Soakers from Hasbro
Playmobil Pool with Waterslide
Lego Star Wars Pirates of the Caribbean
Gogo's Crazy Bones
Mini Kick from Kickboard
Sticky Mosaics from The Orb Factory
Spot It! from Blue Orange Games
Come the warmer weather, Catch a Falling Star devotes half of its floor space to outdoor and summer merchandise. "We're not a coastal town, but we have lots of beach/tennis/pool clubs in the area, people with vacation homes and kids going to camp," explains Muckjian. To appeal to these customers, he has designated spots for camp and travel, featuring portable games.
We would love your feedback!
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