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Toy stores

My Economy

Summertime is stocking season for this toy store owner

by Livi Burdette
Jul 3, 2023
Ali Cat Toys is doing the bulk of its holiday buying now, and even stocking up for next Easter season.
"Slime has started to make a comeback, believe it or not, and as much as parents may or may not want to hear" says Irene Kesselman, owner of Ali Cat Toys in Carrboro, North Carolina.
Tolga Akman/AFP via Getty Images
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For this toy store, it's a race to restock the shelves

by Sean McHenry
Jan 18, 2023
The owner of a North Carolina toy shop talks about the state of her business after the holiday retail season.
"Our inventory right now is being replenished from the busy selling season," said Irene Kesselman. "It will take me probably two to four months to fill the store again."
Vincenzo Pinto/AFP via Getty Images
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In the pre-holiday scramble, small businesses see a little bit of supply chain relief

by Sean McHenry
Oct 26, 2022
The owners of a record and comic book shop, a toy store, and a greeting card and outdoor gear business share their experiences.
Shelves of comic books and record bins at Phillip Rollins' new OffBeat location, in Jackson, Mississippi.
Courtesy Phillip Rollins
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Inflation expectations are causing this toy store owner to stock up

by Sean McHenry
Apr 1, 2022
Irene Kesselman, owner of Ali Cat Toys, said her store's inventory is high leading up to Easter — partly because she wants to avoid future inflation.
"We have everything from plush Easter bunnies to Easter chocolate," said toy store owner Irene Kesselman. "As well as other things that are non-Easter that will go into a basket, like bath bombs and pencils and that kind of thing."
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
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What does it take to launch a successful toy?

by Stephanie Hughes
Feb 17, 2022
Americans are buying lots of toys right now. But launching a new one is still very difficult — a good idea is no guarantee of success
Clixo, a toy that launched during the pandemic, uses magnets to connect pieces. A Duplo Lego set is in the background.
Stephanie Hughes/Marketplace
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So how good were the holidays for retailers?

by Sean McHenry
Jan 4, 2022
Three small-business owners weigh in on how the shopping season went for them.
Despite a spike in coronavirus cases, retail sales were strong during the holiday season.
Leon Neal via Getty Images
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Small businesses prepare for the holidays amid the pandemic

by Sean McHenry
Nov 25, 2020
Small business retailers are facing a holiday season like no other. Three owners share how they're preparing for the shopping season.
A worker decorates the Christmas tree at The Grove outdoor shopping center in Los Angeles on, Nov. 5.
Valerie Macon/AFP
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How the interest rate can impact a small business

by Marketplace Contributor
Dec 17, 2015
The interest hike is going to affect consumers and small businesses they frequent
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December shores up 'mom and pop’ toy shops, for now

by Kai Ryssdal
Dec 16, 2014
Kai Ryssdal talks to Steve Presser, owner of Big Fun Toy Store in Cleveland.
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