I first heard mutterings about the attempts to enact legislation for toy safety back in the first part of 2007. I was in the know so early because Oregon was sandwiched between California and Washington. California was enacting legislation that would leave children’s merchandiser’s at constant risk of litigation for non-compliance with heavy handed safety regulations. Washington was facing legislation with similar types of materials regulations, but the means of enforcement was proposed to come from government agencies, not the litigious nature of John Q Public. These bills would pass. It was an election year, and no politician could vote no on a safe toys bill.

It became apparent that a national standard would have to be set if the toy industry was going to survive. I was hopeful that the powers that be would come up with a well-thought-out, finely crafted piece that made sense. I was hopeful that we would adopt the standards that have been serving European countries so well.

I have been deeply saddened, horribly troubled, and moved to action by what was enacted instead. My store, on the surface, looks very much like it did before the CPSIA standards were enacted. My numbers look very different. I am selling far less domestic and European product. I am selling far less from my small-batch suppliers. I am unable to sell toys that are handmade by local artists and craftspeople like I did before.

The products that I have that are produced by large manufacturers have not gone up in price the way the products of smaller manufacturers have due to the cost of testing; therefore, they turn faster and the little
guys’ stuff turns slower. When I call, e-mail and fax my state representatives, it is for the industry, not for my store. It is for the manufacturers who are jumping through hoop after hoop just to get products to me. It is for my lovely little crochet lady and her tea sets. I fax, and I call, and I e-mail. Then, I open a newspaper, or turn on the radio, and am dumbfounded by the enormity of all that is happening right now. How busy this world is with interests far more pressing than toys, and I wonder if we stand a chance of being heard at
all.

My fear is that the offerings of toys will finally be whittled down to the top 40 manufacturers, and everyone from Wal-Mart to FAO Schwarz will have to source the same things from the same places, manufactured as cheaply as possible. My hope is that we will be able to change the legislation to something closer to the EU standards so our European manufacturers will be able to sell here and also that the current economic crisis will wake the nation up to the importance of supporting industry on their own soil and that domestic manufacturers of toys will thrive.

I am certain that somewhere between my hopes and my fears lies the final resolution.

Author: Linda Hays

Part of the heart of the community in McMinnville, Ore., since its inception in 2001, Hopscotch Toys is more than just a place to buy quality toys. With hand-picked selections and fun and entertaining events, it's the stuff childhood memories are made of, says Linda Hays, who has owned of the specialty toy and candy shop since 2003.

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