Shop Local, Support The Community And Have Fun This "Neighborhood Toy Store Day," Saturday, November 8
Nationwide Shopping Event Encourages Families to Support the Local Stores They Love, Discover the Best Toys for Active, Open-Ended and Creative Play
CHICAGO, Nov. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Gazing with wonder down the aisles of the local toy store has always been a favorite pastime for children. Today, parents too have come to appreciate the local toy store as a trusted resource for toys that excite and engage children while promoting active, open-ended and creative play.
To help celebrate local toy stores across the country and kick off the holiday shopping season, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) has announced the fifth annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day on Saturday, November 8, 2014. The nationwide shopping event is designed to encourage families to support the independently-owned toy stores in their community and introduce consumers to the benefits of shopping local.
"Locally-owned toy stores add charm and character to neighborhoods across the country and provide families with a unique selection of high-quality toys not typically found at big box retailers," said Kathleen McHugh, President of ASTRA, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting local toy shopping and creative, open-ended playtime for children. "Neighborhood Toy Store Day recognizes the role independently-owned toy stores play within the community, as well as the families each store serves. We encourage everyone to join us on November 8 to discover the joy of shopping locally for toys this holiday season and beyond."
On November 8, participating local stores will host free child-friendly in-store events featuring activities such as face painting, craft projects, live performances and more. Families can log onto YourNeighborhoodToyStore.org for a full listing of local events across the country.
"Our toy store owners are America's play experts and offer unmatched customer service to the local community. Whether you are looking for a toy that get kids moving, a creative activity kit or an educational game, local retailers stock a wide range of items that suit any age and interest and provide parents and gift givers with trusted recommendations on toys that offer good value and encourage hours of active play," said McHugh.
In addition, shopping at independently-owned stores provides a number of economic benefits to a neighborhood. Local businesses create jobs, preserve neighborhoods and reduce sprawl. Furthermore, in comparison to chain stores, independent local businesses put a significantly larger share of revenue back into the local economy in the form of taxes, salaries and more.
During the day-long celebration, attending families can enjoy free activities and get a jump start on the holiday shopping season. Sample Neighborhood Toy Store Day events across the country include:
Toy House and Baby Too, Jackson, MI:
Magic show, building contests, games, activities, prizes and more.
Kidoodles Toy Zone, Norman, OK:
Goody bags while supplies last, free gift wrap and 20% off toys.
Chinaberry, Spring Valley, CA:
Story time, coloring activities, puzzle games and more.
For more information on Neighborhood Toy Store day, visit ASTRA at www.YourNeighborhoodToyStore.org or on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheWoohooFactor or Twitter at @TheWoohooFactor.
About ASTRA
Founded in 1992, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting creative and open-ended playtime for children. With over 1,300 members, ASTRA brings together specialty toy manufactures, independent toy stores and toy buyers to help encourage "smart" play and local toy shopping. 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 www.astratoy.org.
SOURCE ASTRA
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