My Best Sellers: Silly Goose

This Store Offers Something for Everyone

By Christine Lebednik
November 2007

“Wondrous, Whimsy, and Worldly Wares for kids of all ages” is the motto for Silly Goose toy store in Essex, Mass. So it’s not surprising to find some unusual items for both kids and adults among the toy store’s 10 best sellers.

Here are the products and companies owner Diane Robinson said are hot at the Goose:

Kettrike Air Happy by KETTLER INTERNATIONAL INC.

The Air Happy provides the smoothest ride available and the push bar is included. Customers say it best: "built like a tank." It's an instant family heirloom that children will enjoy and remember fondly when their own children are riding Kettrikes. This model has it all with the patented three-in-one Auto-Freewheel™ Coasting Pedal system, patented Quik-Adjust™ Telescoping Frame and oversized tubeless air tires on German-made ball bearings.
— Diane Robinson, owner of Silly Goose in Essex, Mass., told TDmonthly Magazine in fall 2007 that her number one best-selling item is Kettler bikes, such as the Kettrike Air Happy tricycle. "Kettler tricycles" are among the best-selling ride-ons, agreed Kristen Fennell, manager at Kids R Kids in West Roxbury, Mass.
— “The Kettler Air Happy continues to be our best seller,” said Jude Larene, owner of Izilla Toys in Seattle, Wash., during TDmonthly's March 2009 survey of ride-on sales. Larene said he sells an average of 10 Air Happy trikes per month.
— Ten percent of 60 retailers said in spring 2009 that Kettler trikes are their best-selling riding toy, with average sales of around four per month. 11/21/2006

Horse Box Trailer by BRUDER TOYS AMERICA INC.

This trailer allows children to imitate the procedure of transporting horses. The tailgate lowers for use as a ramp, and the horse can comfortably be “fed” and “watered” via the side door that opens.
— Bruder ranks as the second top-selling product line at Silly Goose in Essex, Mass., according to Owner Diane Robinson.
— When asked by TDmonthly which was her store’s best selling product, Diana Glasier, owner of Green Cabboose in Stroudsberg, Pa., said, “On the whole, Bruder trucks.”
— Two of 62 retailers named Bruder Trucks as the single best seller in their store. 10/2/2007

Caterpillar Dice Game by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

This lacing toy and dice game includes six caterpillar pieces, one head, one cord and one wooden threader. It is designed to teach colors and comes in a compact, round container for convenient storage and travel.
— Products by HABA account for the third best-selling line at Silly Goose in Essex, Mass., store owner Diane Robinson told TDmonthly.
— "Pretty much anything from Germany," sells well right now, said Amy Barrett, owner pf Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys in Last Chance Gulch in Helena, Mont. HABA is a customer favorite. "Because of all the Mattel recalls, people are really concerned about children's toys in particular." 10/2/2007 (Age: 2 and Up)

Jr. Air Force Pilot suit by AEROMAX INC.

This Jr. Air Force Pilot suit has got the need for speed. Includes fighter pilot helmet with reflective shield.Jump suit is loaded with zipper pockets and official looking patches. This suit will take kids from the bedroom right to the flight deck. style# AFP51 Avail sizes 2/3, 4/6, 8/10, and 12/14 — Aeromax costumes rank as the fourth best-seller at Silly Goose in Essex, Mass., store owner Diane Robinson told TDmonthly. 1/25/2005 (MSRP: $49.95)

Ice House With Penguin by FUZZY TOWN

Ice House With Penguin by FUZZY TOWN This mini ice house is home to a 5.5”-tall mini penguin. Seal and polar bear minis with houses are also available. Diane Robinson, owner of Silly Goose toy store in Essex, Mass., ranked Alfa’s Fuzzy Town plush line fifth on her best sellers list. They are “really thoughtfully done forest creatures — sweet little animals,” she said. 3/29/2007

Mystery Garden Game by RAVENSBURGER

Mystery Garden Game by RAVENSBURGER In this game, players randomly place the 48 picture cards face down around the game board. As each player chooses a picture card, which shows an object that also appears on the board, the others try to guess what it is by asking “yes” or “no” questions. The one who guesses correctly gets to keep the card, and the player with the most picture cards at the end of the game wins.
— This game is a best seller for Diane Robinson, owner of Silly Goose in Essex, Mass. Ravensburger games tend to be popular at her store, she said. 10/2/2007 (MSRP: $11.95; Age: 4 and Up)

Wooden Pop Gun by SCHYLLING

Wooden Pop Gun by SCHYLLING It's not surprising that the Schylling Wooden Pop Gun comes in a point-of-purchase display. Kids simply load and shoot the gun by pulling and pushing the handle. It comes with cork and string to ensure that nothing gets lost.
— At Silly Goose in Essex, Mass., classic toys by Schylling — including pop guns, jack-in-the-boxes and rubber horseshoe games — rank as best sellers, according to Owner Diane Robinson.
— "Our best-sellers are the old-fashioned ones, such as the Pop Gun," said Rene Leonardi, assistant manager at Ouray Toys in Ouray, Colo.
— Two of 51 retailers specifically referred to the Pop Gun as a continuing best-selling wooden toy in their stores. 1/31/2007 (MSRP: $2.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Vacation Sounds Alarm Clock by STREAMLINE INC.

Vacation Sounds Alarm Clock by STREAMLINE INC. This white-framed clock features the sounds of seagulls and crashing waves to make one feel like he or she is on vacation. It measures about 5.5” H x 6” W, includes three AAA batteries and comes in an attractive clear gift box. 10/2/2007 (MSRP: $15.95; Age: All Ages)