Do you go into toy shops readers? Does your love of toys take you into them? Or maybe you go on with kids or Grandkids?
Occasionally I nip in when I'm passing, just to see what's on the shelves these days and if the clearance section holds anything of interest. I used to do this all the time at Toys R Us in the 1990's. To be honest I prefer going into more general discount shops and chains now just in case there's some plastic tat I'd like!
Our nearest toy shop is Toymaster in an out of town shopping outlet. There isn't one in the town centre but then again Pontefract is a rather small place. Can't think of any independents round here like the one that catered for me as a kid, the great Thomas Mears in Preston.
The new kid on the UK block is Smythes, who I see popping up all over. It must be hard setting up a chain of toy shops nowadays. The temptation to just to do it online must be strong. I think Smiffeys is like that but they are more jokes and fancy dress rather than toys. Always loved their name though, Smiffeys.
Is there a new toy shop round your way? Are they part of a chain? What are toy shops like generally where you are?
They have all gone down our way,just the usual large chains.Even the specialist shops have gone apart from forbidden planet and that's dull!The works has some good bits occasionally but even our local one has been bereft of anything interesting for a while.
ReplyDeleteSometimes there are imported vintage toy mags from the US at Forbidden Planet. I picked up some Collectable Toys and Values from the Leeds shop. ages ago now though. Just think pone day Tony, you may see project SWORD the Graphic Novel on the shelves of FP!
DeleteLangleys, at the Royal Arcade, Norwich.
ReplyDeleteBeen there for years- I went there when small on holiday. Still pretty good, and the Arcade is an amazing place.
Arcades are always interesting Andy aren't they. There's some independent comic shops around West Yorkshire in Arcades like in Dewsbury. It must be doing something right, Langleys, if they've been there for years. I've never been to Norwich ever! is it a holiday town?
DeleteAcross the Atlantic,ToysRus is corporate king,eliminating all hope of a small chain or"mom and pop" shop.Large department stores such as WalMart,K Mart, and Target offer a little variety in the form of "exclusive" toys found no where else (except E Bay for a wildly inflated price).But there's a beacon of hope on the edge of town.An old house has been turned into a vintage toy store! It's been around for several years and is quite successful.Called simply"It's a Toy Store!" Every room of this store is packed full of vintage toys from recent releases to treasures from the 50's.Monsters,Space,Robots,GI Joe,Superheroes,Barbie,It's all there.The vintage stuff doesn't neccesarily come cheap, but they usually find stuff that's in very good condition.They are located in Richland New Jersey and they have a facebook page if you're curious.
ReplyDeleteThat Its a Toy Store sounds ace Brian! Collectors' heaven! Monsters and Space! Wow! I went to NJ in 2005 but not Richland. I wanted to visit MJ Variety too but didn't make it there either! I'm not on Facebook. Maybe a reader can contact them and ask if we can post a piccy here on MC?
DeleteI must apologize for my inability to post pictures as my computer is old and outdated.It's a shame, because I have a lot that I could contribute to this site.Perhaps in the future my situation could change for the better.In the meantime,www.toyshows.org is a site with info about this wonderful toy store.In fact at the end of May there is a huge toy show at the store that's so big they have to set up tables outside the building.I've attended several of these.There's also an old fashioned train station next door that will take you on an excursion aboard an antique train.An enjoyable, free admission event.
DeleteThat sounds like one amazing event Brian! if you get along this year then maybe take a snap and email it to me so everyone can feel the joy! I shall check out the website now!
DeleteWent to Freeport the Pontefract outlet village this morning on an errand. It was too early for shopping but I managed to sneak a peek into the window of the Toymaster toy shop. Batman V Superman is the order of the day - figures, vehicles, accessories. Oh and Lego. Tons of Lego. Is it taking over the world or has it already done that?
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