April 24, 2024

TDmonthly Goes Inside … Three Cheeky Monkeys, Los Angeles

Hands-on Play Brings Big Rewards

Wallace Harvey bought Three Cheeky Monkeys in Los Angeles from the original owner seven years ago, after having worked as an employee in the store, he told TDmonthly Magazine. Without much planning, the store was divided into various play areas that allow kids to interact with toys and books before they buy. In addition to a truck room and a doll space, the store features a living room and library, where moms can lounge while kids read or play with Plan toys. 

A truck fan himself, Wallace arranges monthly excursions to the park for local kids. He brings with him dozens of sturdy Bruder trucks that can withstand serious outdoor play. These events help bring customers into the store and allow children who might not otherwise have the chance, to play with high-quality specialty toys.

Four months ago, Wallace moved to a new location, twice the size of the original store, in the same mall. Despite the relocation, customers have found their way back to him.

He researches new toys by a combination of sales reps, trade shows, clients and online sources, such as TDmonthly.

Watch the video below to learn more about Wallace and his Three Cheeky Monkeys.

Get the Flash Player to see this video.

See the video at left to learn about how he both sells and uses products from The Spiral Foundation, and then scroll down to watch videos of some of his best sellers.

Floral Print Small Infant Carrier by COROLLE DOLLS

Made of plastic and lined with pretty floral fabric, this lightweight yet sturdy infant carrier - complete with seatbelt - is ideal for little Moms on the go and their baby dolls. ( Watch Video) 3/30/2009 (MSRP: $30; Age: 3 and Up)

Les Dollies - Tina by COROLLE DOLLS

Very stylish and full of mischievous charm, Les Dollies toddler dolls, with their bright bold outfits - and hair! - are sure to delight budding fashionistas.Les Dollies have soft cloth bodies, vinyl faces and hands, fixed eyes and rooted hair. Tina is 16" tall and has a soft body.
— This doll gets lots of play at Three Cheeky Monkeys in Los Angeles, as it's one of the many toys available to kids for hands-on activities at the store. Watch the video to hear what owner Wallace Harvey says about why Tina and other Corolle dolls are favorites at his store. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009 (Age: 3 and Up)

Minireves Bright by COROLLE DOLLS

Soft and light, Minireves Bright is an adorable snuggly that will delight the very young. 6", machine-washable Minireves Bright also jingles softly when you shake her. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009 (Age: 0 and Up)

Pink Smocked Dress by COROLLE DOLLS

Beautifully sewn and finished, Corolle's accessory fashions for the 14" baby dolls reflect the meticulous attention to detail that is a company hallmark. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009 (Age: 2 and Up)

Puppy Backpack by STEPHEN JOSEPH, INC.

Now little kids can mimic big sis and bro with their own designer backpack. Made of lighweight vinyl, it's perfect for toting around favorite toys and stuffed animals. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009 (Age: 3 and Up)

Dinosaur Backpack by Wildkin

This sturdy backpack will help kids get their stuff from point A to point B. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009

Ladybug Backpack by CROCODILE CREEK

This brightly colored backpack can help kids tote their tomes to school.Sturdy back packs are just the right size for younger children. Bold colors and designs. Back packs are 11.5"W X 14" H.
— In a November 2011 survey about best selling educational items, Elmer Carranza, assistant manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church, Va., told TDmonthly that, "We have backpacks from Crocodile Creek... people love the designs. We sell about 3 a month." ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009 (MSRP: $27.99)

Macy Mermaid by MANHATTAN TOY

Shimmery fabrics and exceptional detailing make this mermaid glisten.  An easily removable tail reveals a snazzy skirt and legs to take Macy from sea to shore in no time. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009 (MSRP: $20.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Duchess Horse by MANHATTAN TOY

Groovy Girls can travel in style with their own plush horse. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009 (Age: 3 and Up)

Hula Hoop by TOYSMITH

Kids can whittle down their waists by keeping this hula hoop going. It comes in various colors and sizes to suit all shapes and sensibilities.
— Syd Clarke, owner of Ali-Cat in Carrboro, N.C., sells about 30 hula hoops per month. She attributes the fad's resurgence to increased interest in countering childhood obesity with exercise. She also noted that a woman in her neighborhood now offers a hula hoop class for adults.    ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009

Amaryllis Quilti Horse by DOUGLAS CUDDLE TOYS

There are two sizes and two styles of Quiltis — bouquets of fresh color in hand-picked designer fabrics. Quilti Dogs are 12" and There are four prints of 12" Quilti Dogs and three prints of 9" Quilti Horses. Mini Quilti Dogs and Horses are called "Lil' Buds." There are three prints of each. Amaryllis is a bright crimson paisley with coordinating striped mane and chest. "There is a freshness in the fabric and the design that is very desirable. The Quiltis are gently weighted so they flop anywhere," Erika Radich, marketing manager for Douglas, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 6, 2009.
— Tim Hayes, owner of Learning Express in Sudbury, Mass., named Douglas as a preferred vendor in fall 2008 because they are “local, high quality and [have] good turnover.” One other retailer, out of 52, also pinpointed Douglas as a favorite supplier. ( Watch Video) 12/12/2008 (MSRP: $16.00; Age: 3 to 12)

Stegosaurus by RUSS BERRIE

Kids who dream of cuddling with dinosaurs can get their wish. Even the horny plates on this Stegosaurus are soft and lovable. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009

Yomiko Classics Deer by RUSS BERRIE

Artist Yomiko has created another realistic forest dweller for Russ Berrie. This cuddly deer makes a great room decoration or a cuddly pal to keep company with at night. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009

MACK Granite Truck with interchangeable container DHL by BRUDER TOYS AMERICA INC.

Just like the "real thing", goods on this Mack DHL container truck can also be loaded and unloaded through the rear swing doors. Another great playing option this toy has to offer is the vehicle's swap trailer, which detaches automatically from the vehicle when the support legs are pulled out and set up to allow the lorry to move out from underneath the trailer. Separately available swap trailers allow you to realistically imitate a freight forwarding business. Another special characteristic is that you can use swap trailers as a construction kit and combine certain components with several swap trailers to form, for example, a vehicle garage. It measures 59.5 x 26.5 x 18.5 cm. ( Watch Video) 7/8/2009 (Age: 3 and Up)

MAN Cement Mixer by BRUDER TOYS AMERICA INC.

The tipping driver's cab of the MAN cement mixer provides a view of the engine block. The mirrors of the driver's cab fold out and the water tank can be filled. The drum with integrated mixing spiral can be turned by operating a crank and the cement chute can be folded out. A bucket is included and tread tyres round off the image. To add to the fun of playing, the MAN cement mixer can be equipped with the Light and Sound Module [art. no.: 02801] (not included). It measures 46.5 x 26.5 x 17.5 cm. ( Watch Video) 7/8/2009 (Age: 4 and Up)

Roadmax - Backhoe Loader by BRUDER TOYS AMERICA INC.

The front end loader from the ROADMAX series is a sturdy toy with a design suitable for small children with many realistic functions for playing fun. The transparent driver's cab that opens from above can be equipped with a play figure. Front and back end loader are fully functional and can be locked in position. The front shovel and the rear shovel can also be tilted or moved by operating the respective lever. Fold-out support legs ensure stability and soft tires complete the picture. ( Watch Video) 7/8/2009 (Age: 2 and Up)

Viking Toys - Super Chubbies 10" Dump Truck by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

This 10" dump truck includes two figures. The bed of the truck actually dumps. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009 (MSRP: $16.99; Age: 1 and Up)

Under the Sea Collection: Dolphin's Playtime Tin Lunchbox by ENCHANTMINTS

From the Under the Sea Collection, this sturdy lunch box will keep kids' midday meals safe from the sharks and other hungry predators. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009

Under the Sea Collection: Beneath the Waves Treasure Box by ENCHANTMINTS

This box is just right for treasures like note cards, stationery and mementos. Three drawers, one on the front and one on each side, could easily accommodate pencils, pens markers and crayons. Measures 10” x 6” x 2 1/4”. Launch date: 2009.
― Two of 39 retailers told TDmonthly in October 2009 that music boxes are their top-selling jewelry or accessory item. ( Watch Video) 7/27/2009

24" Bernard Wild Thing by CROCODILE CREEK

Maurice Sendak's magical story has continued to delight generation after generation. This 24" soft and cuddly Bernard is based on Maurice Sendak's classic book. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009 (MSRP: $99.99)

Max Wild Thing by CROCODILE CREEK

Maurice Sendak's magical story has continued to delight generation after generation. This 7" soft and cuddly Max is based on Maurice Sendak's classic book. Other sizes may also be available. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009 (MSRP: $11.99)

Sipi Wild Thing by CROCODILE CREEK

Maurice Sendak's magical story has continued to delight generation after generation. This 15" soft and cuddly Sipi is based on Maurice Sendak's classic book. The upcoming "Where the Wild Things Are" movie may reignite interest in these lovable characters.  Note: This item in this size has been discontinued. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009 (MSRP: $24.99)

Market Stall by PLANTOYS

Kids can learn about healthy food choices by running their own market stall filled with wooden fruits and vegetables. Produce sold separately. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009

Parking Garage by PLANTOYS

The Parking Garage has three floors of parking space, a working elevator tower, attendant's booth and helipad. The set also includes a figure, car, gas station and car wash. It measures 19.3" x 13.8" x 13". ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009 (Age: 3 and Up)

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