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Holiday Sales Ring in the New Year

Pamela Brill -- Gifts and Dec, 1/1/2012 2:00:00 AM

Provo, UT
Blickenstaff's

Fire Dragon. Safari Ltd. 800.554.5414. www.safariltd.com

This urban vintage toy/candy shop, outside of Salt Lake City, boasts an eclectic mix of sweet treats for all ages. Among the current favorites:
Spot It! from Blue Orange Games
Air Hunterz Z-Curve Bow from Zing Toys
Slap Time Watches from E.S.P. Advantage
Nanodots from Nano Magnetics USA
Hexbugs from Hexbug
Super Boinks Tubes from Toysmith
To help boost holiday sales, Blickenstaff's ran a special 12 Days of Christmas promotion from December 12-24. "We [selected] 12 different items [to give] away each day," explains marketing director Kyle Aldous. "For example, on the third day, we gave away 3 Z-Curve Bows." Board games were also highlighted in the store this holiday season. "With all the data pointing to a slower retail holiday season than last year, we like to push items that can be used for the whole family," he adds. "It gives customers the most bang for the buck."

Exeter, NH
Whirylgigs Toy Shop
A classic neighborhood toy store, this northern New England mom-andpop shop features a mix of homegrown and international brands.
Owner Geoff Pendexter reveals which toys are doing well right now:
Bamboo Pallina Game from Hape Intl.
Spooner Board from Spooner
Would You Rather board game from Zobmondo Entertainment
a-peg Loom from Harrisville Designs
Carnivorous Creations from DuneCraft
Snap Circuits from Elenco
According to Pendexter, his customers were not shopping for one particular hot toy. "A lot of people were looking for ‘Made in the USA' brands," he says. As the store prepared for the Christmas rush, Whirlygigs marked its own special event: a 25th anniversary celebration with a ribbon-cutting with the Chamber of Commerce. Says Pendexter "We've got something to celebrate."

Ocean springs, MS
Miner's Doll & Toy Store
Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico comes this family-owned southern specialty shop where classic toys and dolls are a draw. Owner Mary Alice Miner shares shoppers' top picks:
Assorted baby dolls from Madame Alexander
Pirate Ship from Playmobil USA
Sophie the Giraffe from Vulli
Classic Bingo Bed from Holgate Toys
a-peg Loom from Harrisville Designs
My Giant Paper Flowers Kit from ALEX
Because Miner's customers hail from a conservative city, they tend to be very traditional with their purchases. She does, however, still introduce new merchandise to pique their interest. "We're very excited about bringing in wooden magnetic blocks from Tegu," she exclaims. At press time, her store was gearing up for a citywide event in December. Come January, the store will celebrate its 25th year in business with select days of 25-percent off savings. "Our customers depend on us to tell them what's good," she adds of Miner's sales approach. "It's a big responsibility."

Batesville, IN
Christian's Kinder Laden
A Midwestern specialty boutique named for the owner's grandson, this 6-year-old shop specializes in presents for babies and kids up to age 12. Owner Debbie Enneking and sales associate Jessica Hamilton note which products are doing well:
Gentle Sounds Giraffe Soother, Twilight Turtle from Cloud b
Slice and Bake Cookie Set from Melissa & Doug
CHARM IT! line from High IntenCity
Family Camper from Playmobil USA
Fire Dragon from Safari Ltd.
Cap It Off Jewelry from ALEX
Holiday business seemed brisk, as Hamilton noted, "We've been wrapping for Christmas since July." To help get customers in the spirit, Enneking erected a display of "The Elf on the Shelf" front and center and offered a "Buy 2, Get 1 Free" for Melissa & Doug puzzle purchases.

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