Throughout the country, independent toy retailers are preparing for Neighborhood Toy Store Month (NTSM), the annual celebration organized by the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA). Neighborhood toy stores offer a curated selection of products, and many have Certified Play Experts (CPEs) on staff.
ASTRA is promoting small businesses heavily, with member toolkits available to maximize sales. In this short video from Learning Express in Lake Zurich, Illinois, franchise owner Richard “The Toy Man” Derr shares first-hand how local retailers are preparing for NTSM.
The benefits of going to a local, independently owned store for holiday gifts include staff that know their products, ‘extras’ such as free gift wrapping, and a fun environment with hands-on demos and activities.”
— Sue Warfield, ASTRA President, and CPE
Warfield notes that this year’s event begins a new, over-arching program to support ASTRA members.
“Instead of only the month of November. Our organization will be rolling out an ongoing program
to showcase features and benefits of ASTRA stores and shopping local continually,” Warfield adds.
Retailers, manufacturers, and sales reps seeking information about Neighborhood Toy Store Month can visit the ASTRA website for complete details.
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