"I get the Bloom Report and I go to your site from there to search for new products."

—Angie Wilkos, owner, Cherry Street Kids, Black Mountain, N.C., April 2006

 

"The Penderwicks' by Jeanne Birdsall certainly is for both girls and boys. I just sold out my last copy and ordered more."

—Ruth Lasenco, book buyer, Black Forest Books & Toys, Charlotte, N.C., January 2006

 

"Everything we give children, they're learning something. We try to provide a variety of toys that meet all aspects of child development, including social development (via Playmobil role-playing sets), language skills and large-muscle development with outdoor toys and building blocks."

—Sarah Evers, owner, Dancing Bear Toys Limited, Hendersonville, N.C., November 2005

www.dancingbeartoys.com

 

"Overnight bags are probably some of our best sleepover items."

—William Meredith, owner, Learning Express, Cary, N.C.

www.learningexpress.com

 

"Thomas the Tank Engine is our biggest seller ... anything by Thomas Tank."

—Dan Mewborn, owner, Pastimes Toys and Gifts, Surf City, N.C., October 2006

 

"We sell pirate toys well. Our pirates are by Accoutrements."

—Linda Hill, owner, Emerald Isle Toys, Emerald Isle, N.C., January 2007

 

"Again, we're traditional type things: dress-up play, kitchen play, building toys, RC, Playmobil (boys and girls)."

—John Hodges, owner, Animal Quacker Toys, Raleigh, N.C., December 2005

 

"I always get questions. It is important to know something about the history of the toy companies and artist dolls you sell."

—Linda Adams, owner, Biltmore Village Dolls, Asheville, N.C., July 2006

www.biltmorevillagedolls.com

 

"Groovy Girls sell well at my store."

—Mary Evers, owner, Dancing Bear Toys Limited (2nd store), Asheville, N.C., April 2006

 

"[Pontiki] sets build on each other."

—Sandy Friedman, owner, Accipiter, Raleigh, N.C., September 2006

www.accipitergallery.com

 

"Horses by Safari are one of the best-selling collectibles at my store."

—Michelle Hubbell, owner, The Toy Store, Highlands, N.C., October 2006

 

"Stomp Rockets [are] pretty consistent and fast moving."

—Alan Cason, owner, Abrakidabra Toys, Greenville, N.C., December 2005

 

"Blokus — that game ended up being sold out by the manufacturer by mid-November. Wasn't able to get back into stock until February or March."

—Terry Heath, owner, The Toy Chest, Cary, N.C., December 2006

 

"I guess Tonner is the hottest name is fashion [dolls] right now."

—Trisha Miles, manager, Doll Market, Greensboro, N.C., August 2006

www.dollmarket.com

 

"Alex…jewelry and sewing kits."

—Alison Cox, owner, Animal Quackers, Raleigh, N.C., December 2006

 

"Curiosity for Kids and Melissa & Doug. Coloring kits, sewing kits, paint kits, puzzles."

—Roberta Kenworty, manager, Abracadabra Toys, Greenville, N.C., December 2006