neighborhood toy store day — this saturday!

Get a jump on your holiday shopping AND support local businesses during this Saturday’s National Neighborhood Toy Store Day!

The American Specialty Toy and Retailing Association (ASTRA) established Neighborhood Toy Store Day to introduce families to the fun of shopping at local toy stores and to celebrate each retailer’s commitment to the community. Participating stores will host local in-store events for families, such as face painting, craft projects, live performances or special discounts.

How are Charm City’s own local toy stores celebrating National Toy Store Day? In a BIG way.

Shananigans Toy Store in Wyndhurst Station is offering an array of arts and crafts projects for kids, as well as several drawings for gift certificates and prizes. aMuse Toy Store (both the Fells Point and Quarry Lake locations) is giving 10% of their profit to Kennedy Krieger Institute, as well as giving patrons two free gifts (Silly Spills and Magic Bubble Art) with any ALEX toys purchase $35 or greater.

Why shop local? According to the 3/50 Project, for every $100 spent in local, independently-owned stores, $68 returns to the community in the form of taxes, salaries, charitable contributions and more— in contrast with only $43 when consumers spend their money at a national chain. That’s a big LOCAL return.

“By supporting independents, you are supporting the community they serve,” said Claudia Towles, co-owner of aMuse Toys.  “We are a “local” business committed to local, family focus causes. We strive to bring attention to local initiatives and organizations through partnerships and sponsorships of many neighborhood events & Baltimore non-profits. National Neighborhood Toy Store is a day we highlight our commitment to celebrating and supporting our community.”

So go ahead Baltimore. Get your toy on this Saturday and shop local!

Author Description

heather

Heather is editor-in-chief of (cool) progeny. When not scouting the best in everything kid and family, you'll probably find her running The Weisse Group or adventuring around town with her daughter (the Bug) and husband. Can be won over with a good glass of wine or something homemade. Addicted to Pinterest. Only pretends to know what she's doing with her SLR, even though she's got a fantastic lens on it. Thankful it does most of the work for her.