Nov. 10: Neighborhood Toy Store Day
Third Annual "Neighborhood Toy Store Day" Supports Shopping Local and Community Fun Saturday, November 10
CHICAGO, Nov. 8, 2012 -- Families and independent retailers across the country can celebrate the joy and wonder of shopping at a neighborhood toy store this month, thanks to the third annual "Neighborhood Toy Store Day" on Saturday, November 10, 2012.
The American Specialty Toy and Retailing Association (ASTRA) established Neighborhood Toy Store Day to introduce families to the fun of shopping at local toy stores and to celebrate each retailer's commitment to the community. Participating stores will host local in-store events for families, such as face painting, craft projects, live performances or special discounts.
"Neighborhood Toy Store Day provides families with an enjoyable and exciting way to support their local toy store," said Kathleen McHugh, President of ASTRA. "Local toy stores add charm and character to neighborhoods across the country and provide children with a wide variety of unique and quality toy options typically unavailable at big box stores. Retailers look forward to this special day as a way to celebrate with the community and the customers they value."
Participating toy stores will organize customized community events to help launch the holiday shopping season and celebrate Neighborhood Toy Store Day. For a calendar listing of local events, families can visit http://YourNeighborhoodToyStore.org.
"We are excited to participate in the third annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day," said Linda Hays, owner of Hopscotch Toys in McMinnville, Oregon. "Local toy stores take pride in providing knowledgeable staff and maintaining a carefully curated selection of toys that are just right for the community they support. This year, Hopscotch Toys will celebrate Neighborhood Toy Store Day with face painting, game demos and a Christmas letter station, complete with elves to help children compose their perfect letters to Santa."
In addition to fostering a sense of community, shopping locally provides a number of economic benefits to a neighborhood. According to the 3/50 Project, for every $100 spent in local, independently-owned stores, $68 returns to the community in the form of taxes, salaries, charitable contributions and more - in contrast with only $43 when consumers spend their money at a national chain.
"On November 10, we hope that more families will discover the special touches and unique value often found only at local toy stores," added McHugh. "Shopping locally is a win-win for families – they can find unique toys and receive top notch customer services while supporting the community in which they live."
About ASTRA
Founded in 1992, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is a non-profit organization that provides leadership and resources to grow the specialty toy industry. As the largest association serving the specialty toy industry, ASTRA members include independent toy and children's product retailers, specialty toy manufacturers and industry affiliates. For more information on ASTRA, please visit http://www.astratoy.org.