Wednesday 22 February 2012

HOT OFF THE PRESS!!

The days are lengthening and dare I say it getting warmer!! Spring is hopefully round the corner and it will not be long until we have our first lambs. Watch this space, or face book for a picture.


The first Saturday in March is when we historically hold our sale. This year is going to be slightly different. We are having our sale on Saturday 3rd March. The only day in the whole year that we open at 9.00am instead of 10.00am. Those of you who have been before will know that all the display outside will be cleared (hopefully, we are brilliant at packing cars and modest with it!). Tickets are issued as you arrive (deli style!) so items are sold on a first come first served basis, making it as fair as possible. I am afraid you do have to cross our threshold to purchase the display items. Just in case you cannot remember what our display looks like here is a reminder.


There will also be lots of other toys not just the display items to tempt you. Drum roll!! The big difference this year is that we are holding an Internet sale as well, especially for you, our valued Internet customers. This will start a day later on the Sunday. It will not include display items. So all you bargain hunters, be ready on your starting blocks.


Enjoy the heatwave! Julie

Wednesday 15 February 2012

INSPIRATION FOR HALF TERM

The snow has nearly gone and rumour has it that the temperature has risen!! We however remain unconvinced. Half term is being enjoyed by many excited children, who were possibly hoping that the snow would have stayed long enough for them to play in. If you are searching for inspiration as to what you can do with your little ones how about looking at some of the products made by SES.


SES has been the specialist in creative toys for more than 35 years. As you, the experts, know play and learning through play is a vital part of your child's development, and each child develops at their own rate. Play increases concentration, hand eye co-ordination, colour, and shape recognition, and promotes imagination and confidence to name but a few. SES believe that as well as developing these, safety and quality are equally important aspects of all their products, and because everything is produced in house they can guarantee this. Their expertise is enjoyed by more than 14 million satisfied consumers in 70 countries.


We have just got in some new lines that will be fun to use. The super dough now comes with glitter and confetti!!! What more could a little girl want than for everything she makes to have that touch of magic? What is even better is that it won't dry out and it is on special offer.


Have a great Half Term, until next week. Julie

Wednesday 8 February 2012

TOY FAIR NUMBER 2

The snow arrived, and one big pup had a whale of a time diving into the snow drifts. Black ice meant a new playground skating the full length of the yard.


The 62nd International Toy Fair has been held. From the 1st to the 6th of February Nuremberg in Germany will have seen approximately 79 000 visitors from 114 countries around the World, making it one of the major events in the toy calender. Everyone wanting to see what the new trend will be. OK, you get the idea it is massive, no way can you do this in a day!!! Not to be left out our Girls were there.


One of the themes for the Toy fair for 2012 was toys for teenagers. Toys4Teens have focused on the interesting target group of 13 to 17 years and their consumer behaviour. Toys4Teens conducted research in Germany speaking directly to their target group and found that teenagers do like to play. Boys probably more than girls!! The favourite being electronic games, and play consoles. Classic games and puzzles came second, with sport, leisure and outdoor toys following in third place. So if you see more emphasis on toys for teenagers over the coming year you know why.


When our girls did eventually make it back, following delays and diversions due to the snow, they were full of enthusiasm and cold. They had seen some beautiful toys, wooden carved animals that looked realistic and very tactile. A kitchen that was unusual because it was made of wood but folded flat for storing under a bed! Just a small taster of the many things that caught their attention and have us all excited. Watch this space, we will be getting some very different, but brilliant toys in that we can't wait to try out.


Sorry perks of working in a toy shop. Keep wrapped up. Julie

Wednesday 1 February 2012

WELCOME TO THE TOY FAIR

The girls returned safe and sound having walked their little socks off. Brim full of new ideas and new toys that they had seen. As with the best military manoevers an army marches on its stomach, and our fair maids are no different. Breakfast was bacon butties courtesy of British Rail, while a plan of action was hatched and the troops briefed.


As you can see the Toy Fair at Olympia covers quite an area. There are no short cuts, and a systematic approach works best. You may miss something of vital importance!


TP Toys have been taken over by Mookie Toys, they developed the Swingball. It was nice to meet the team and hear some of their plans. It looks like they are going to continue with most of the lines that TP had, and are progressing with the Castlewood Range which will be arriving in March/April. We are quite excited about these.


A company that caught their eye sold garden games with Shaun The Sheep!! Home from home! When all this became too much there were masseurs on hand to ease away the tension.


A spot of market research was conducted in a top London store. They were very eager to reassure us that our prices were far more competitive by a good ten pounds!! By the end of all this there were four very tired ladies.


Until next week, take care, Julie.