This month, toy store owner Rick Derr updates Toy World readers on the latest from indie toy retail in the USA, as well as upcoming trade shows and trips.
After 20 years working at A.C. Nielsen/D&B Research Company, Rick opened the first Learning Express Toys franchise in the Chicago area in 1996, and then became a sub-franchiser, opening nine more stores. Although leaving the corporate environment behind, he has combined his expertise in data and numbers with a passion for the toy retail space:
“Exciting news – the Toy Man is coming to the UK! I am delighted to have been invited to the Toymaster show this month. My passport is ready, and my goals are to learn from Toymaster members what trends are going on in Europe currently and what they foresee in the future, as well as find out more about how Toymaster supports its members. Finally, I’m very excited to be able to network amongst people that love toys as much as I do. See you all soon.
“As I write this article, the Monday after the Easter holiday, reports are positive around the country. Here in the US, Easter is our largest toy sales period until Thanksgiving. While not quite reaching the highs of 2021, we are seeing strength holding volumetrically against not only pre-pandemic levels, but against 2022 as well. I estimate this increase to be in the 30-40% range – which is having a positive impact on our indie stores here in the States.”
Rick goes on to detail his top sellers; recent successful introductions, with a shout out to Wow! Stuff; updates readers on how Learning Express stores are supporting MESH (Mental, Emotional, Social Health) skills for kids; the progress of his new in-store Fashion/Tween section and gives his thoughts on the timing of trade shows.
“When we go to a show and see an item of interest, we generally want it right away. Trade shows are most beneficial when product is ready to ship,” he writes. “Yes, we like to see what’s coming, but because we act quickly, instinctively and aggressively, we want it now. I want to be first.”
To read Rick’s full column, which appeared in the May edition of Toy World, click here.
