Local toy store seeing more business since Toys R Us closures

December 13, 2018 4:41 pm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The countdown to Christmas is on which means shopping is well underway. But this year, there’s 1 less option when it comes to toys. Toys R Us is now a footnote in retail history but that loss is a local toy store’s gain.

One of the things customers are telling the managers at Henry Bear’s Park in Providence is that after Toys R Us closed its doors, they had to find some where new to go. Of course management is not complaining, they say their sales are definitely up this holiday season.

There’s no shortage of Christmas cheer or cashiers ringing up customers at Henry Bear’s Park in Providence.

“It’s just a crazy time of year, we look forward to it all year long,” says Ashley Allens, the store manager.

This year is a little bit crazier. Shoppers have one less option for toys after retail giant Toys R Us filed for bankruptcy and closed its doors.

“You shop for your kids there, and your parents shop for you there, and you want to shop for your grand kids there. It’s sad,” says Pamela Woodnick from Pawtucket.

Henry Bear’s Park is always busy during the holidays and has its share of loyal, year round customers too. But any small business will welcome more shoppers.

“With Toys R Us closing we’ve had a lot more people come in and say they searched for a toy store to go to if that was the store they went to. I definitely think it’s brought some people who might not have known about us into the toy store,” says Allens.

As they browse what seems like endless options, many appreciate the care and attention you can get at a small business.

“It feels much more personal and special and Toys R Us, it’s corporate, there weren’t people with charm like these people who know everything about everything,” says Woodnick.

The store manager says they are not feeling the impact from online retailers either and many customers tell them they want to see the toys in person before buying them.