by ibtg » Wed Apr 26, 2006 6:13 pm
MadameZiggy et al - you are absolutely correct - Toymaster is not a franchise, but speaking personally I would be reluctant to call anyone who participates as a member of Toymaster a traditional wee toy shop. Depends on what each individual thinks of as 'traditional'.
Personally. I think that the Sentry Box and the Big Top at Charing Cross and (when it stocked toys) Abacus, are lovely traditional toy shops. I may be accused of 'Wendyness', but I don't think plastic toys that can be bought anywhere - including supermarkets, are the only toys children should have. I know there is a place for them as everyday stuff kids will grow out of and break and then the toys are thrown away. Just today's disposable philosophy at work, as ever, I suppose.
I like toys that are well-made and can be treasured as well as played with. I guess I'm getting old!
And speaking of supermarkets selling toys - as with books and other specialist goods - that is why toy shops are not necessarily a viable concern. They can't BUY the goods for what the supermarkets SELL them for, even with the help of Toymaster. No-one can blame parents for shopping where the goods are cheapest or most convenient, but it's the death knell for independent retailers. Use them or lose them.
A bit of a rant, I'm afraid, but that's my opinion.
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