Independent Retailers Prep for ASTRA’s Neighborhood Toy Store Month

All through the nation, impartial toy retailers are making ready for Neighborhood Toy Store Month (NTSM), the annual celebration organized by the American Specialty Toy Retailing Affiliation (ASTRA). Neighborhood toy shops provide a curated choice of merchandise, and plenty of have Licensed Play Specialists (CPEs) on employees.

ASTRA is selling small companies closely, with member toolkits obtainable to maximise gross sales. On this quick video from Studying Categorical in Lake Zurich, Illinois, franchise proprietor Richard “The Toy Man” Derr shares first-hand how native retailers are making ready for NTSM.

The advantages of going to an area, independently owned retailer for vacation items embrace employees that know their merchandise, ‘extras’ comparable to free present wrapping, and a enjoyable setting with hands-on demos and actions.”

— Sue Warfield, ASTRA President, and CPE

Warfield notes that this 12 months’s occasion begins a brand new, over-arching program to assist ASTRA members.

“As a substitute of solely the month of November. Our group shall be rolling out an ongoing program

to showcase options and advantages of ASTRA shops and purchasing native regularly,” Warfield provides.

Retailers, producers, and gross sales reps looking for details about Neighborhood Toy Retailer Month can go to the ASTRA website for full particulars.