Contributed by Heidi Scheie
Wasilla’s own Just Imagine Toys will be one of hundreds of retailers across the country celebrating Neighborhood Toy Store Day on November 10, 2018.
Spearheaded by the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), the annual observance asks shoppers to remember the neighborhood toy stores in their communities as they kick off the holiday shopping season. Scheduled ahead of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, the day offers shoppers discounts, special events and hands-on experiences with children’s toys. The annual celebration is perhaps more noteworthy than ever before, given the increased focus on the value of neighborhood toy stores in the wake of the Toys "R" Us bankruptcy.
“ASTRA initiated Neighborhood Toy Store Day nine years ago to celebrate community, showcase the value of shopping local and celebrate the joy of play,” said Kimberly Mosley, president of ASTRA. “These retailers are how the toy industry began and where customers can create special memories with their families in the wake of the closing of Toys "R" Us. In neighborhood toy store, shoppers can find a high quality, carefully-curated selection of the best toys and games, along with an exceptional and personal customer shopping experience.”
Residents of Wasilla and the surrounding area can join in the national event at Just Imagine Toys, 591 E Parks Hwy, Unit 407- in the Carrs Safeway Mall. There will be lots of activities and games!
For more information, customers can contact the store directly at 907-357-1543.
Included in the selection at many participating stores are the toys and games that made ASTRA’s Best Toys for Kids Award list earlier this year. The list featured 17 toys that expert toy retailers across the country consider to be the highest quality and most sought-after items to have on 2018 holiday shopping lists.
“Just Imagine Toys is proud to be a member of the Mat-Su community. We have had our store here for 14 years and have put together family-friendly activities and product discounts we think residents will enjoy for Neighborhood Toy Store Day,” says Mary Scheie, owner/operator/janitor of Just Imagine Toys. “We look forward to celebrating our local business and helping everyone find the perfect gift for the children in their lives. Hope to see you there!”
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About the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA):
Founded in 1992, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is an international not-for-profit trade organization that develops and supports a membership of independent retailers, manufacturers and sales representatives in the toy industry.
Inspired to change the world through the power of play, ASTRA is a community of dedicated professionals committed to providing children with healthy, quality play materials that have a high play value and are designed with a focus on what the child can do, rather than what the toy can do. Through certification programs, educational resources and networking opportunities, ASTRA equips and empowers members to make a positive impact on the economy and culture of the communities they serve. For more information, visit www.astratoy.org.
