Retailers Speak Out at ASTRA

New Toys and Pointers for the Specialty Market

By Alison Marek
August 2007

TDmonthly Magazine asked specialty toy-store owners to pick their favorite toys at the ASTRA Marketplace in Las Vegas at the end of June. They also shared some of the key points they learned at the various symposia that were offered throughout the show.

Here's what they said, in their own words:

Videography and editing by Alison Marek.

	Elaine Hackney, owner of Boing! JP's Toy Shop in Jamaica Plain, Mass. Top pointer: Re-focusing on the customer-centric philosophy.
	Patricia Masing, co-owner of Brain Station and Tree Town Toys in Ann Arbor, Mich., with son Keller. Top picks: Illustory by Creations by You, Papo dinosaurs, LEGO, Baby Lia by Corolle
	Terri Meyers, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Round Rock, Texas Top picks: Piano Made Easy by Mayron Cole Conservatory, Baby Lia by Corolle, Coin Hopping Games: Washington D.C. by Coin Hopping Games and Karito Kids dolls by KidsGive Top pointer: Pay yourself first!
	Andy Cannon, co-owner of Discovery Depot in Cookeville, Tenn. Top pointer: Spend more time doing what you enjoy to improve retailing experience.
	Randi Valenta, owner of Little Threads in Chicago Top picks: YoBaby by GarageCo, Pump Rocket by GeoSpace and Bead Bazaar kits
	Becca Bramhall, co-owner of Dandelion Toys in Fort Collins, Colo. Top picks: Construction planks by Kapla, Brain Noodles giant pipe cleaners, Karito Kids dolls by KidsGive Top pointers: Improve your bottom line. Meet the needs of kids with special needs.
	Sally Erysian, owner of Circle of Knowledge in St. Louis, Mo. Top picks: EzyRoller ride-on toy, Mini Solar Robot Kits by OWI Top pointers: Improving sales. How to transition between parent and child ownership.
	Emily Carter (13) and Alyssa Carter (8), daughters of soon-to-be toy-store owner Anne Carter. Yes! They allow kids on the ASTRA Marketplace show floor! Top picks: Flying Turtle by Mason Corporation and PlasmaCar by Plasmart