ASTRA’s Neighborhood Toy Store Day Returns November 12

October 17, 2016 | On Saturday, November 12, independent toy stores across the country will kick off the holiday shopping season by celebrating play and the benefits of shopping local during the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association’s (ASTRA) seventh annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day.

This year’s theme for Neighborhood Toy Store Day is “The fun’s so close!” … highlighting the importance of supporting neighborhood communities by shopping local and that when it comes to toys, local stores selling unique holiday toys as well as offering special in-store events and personalized customer service can be a fun place for kids to shop.

Throughout the day, participating neighborhood toy retailers will offer a variety of activities including face painting, crafts, live performances, prize giveaways, and charity drives to celebrate.

This year, ASTRA members will receive resources both online and in the mail to help them plan and promote the day. ASTRA is providing a newly created Neighborhood Toy Store Day planning guide for participating members, which will have event ideas and tips for media promotion as well as exclusive member-only Neighborhood Toy Store Day offers from participating ASTRA manufacturers that will provide activity kits, bag stuffers and product specials. ASTRA members can find these resources online.

Approximately 150 retailer members across the country participated in last year’s Neighborhood Toy Store Day and ASTRA expects to see more local toy stores participating in this year’s event. Retailers who have participated in past Neighborhood Toy Store Days have reported increases in sales and visibility in the community, ASTRA said. One year, ASTRA member Kidding Around in New York, N.Y., even received a special visit by actor Kevin Bacon on Neighborhood Toy Store Day.

“ASTRA is proud to celebrate neighborhood toy store owners and their businesses that offer expert advice for parents, grandparents and other gift-givers on choosing toys for kids and encouraging play,” said Kimberly Mosley, ASTRA’s president. “These store owners spend time with kids day in and day out. They understand the value of play, and what types of toys encourage active, open-ended and creative playtime. Neighborhood Toy Store Day celebrates the unique influence these local neighborhood toy stores have to advocate for the importance of play to their customers and the communities they serve.”

ASTRA is a Chicago-based trade organization that has more than 1,800 members including retailers, manufacturers, sales representatives, and affiliates. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting local toy shopping and creative open-ended playtime for children.