Devens, Mass., June 30, 2022 — The Learning Express Toys & Gifts Franchise hosted its annual Convention and Vendor Expo in Ft. Lauderdale, FL earlier this week, giving store owners a first look at upcoming products from nationwide vendors. This Convention marked the 35th anniversary of the franchise and founder Sharon DiMinico’s transition from CEO to her daughter, Lauren Derse. Sharon will remain involved as she guides both Lauren and Mike Derse in their new roles at the company.
In an address to the company, Sharon wrote, “Lauren brings with her a Harvard Business School degree but more importantly, she has had in-store exposure for over six years and multi-store ownership for four years. Nothing replaces first-hand experience. You cannot lead a company like ours without knowing the ins and outs of our core business. Lauren will be an outstanding leader, and she has my full trust and confidence.”
Reflecting on her mother’s legacy, Lauren stated, “To say that she is an inspiration is an understatement. Her hard work, passion, and vision guided me through school, career, and life. She created something that impacted so many lives. The Learning Express franchise gives families the ability to own their own businesses with the support of a Home Office team. The communities that are home to Learning Express benefit from the availability of high quality toys, best-in-class customer service, and a hub of PLAY for parents and children. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to continue leading your remarkable concept into the future.”
The following product and vendor awards were also presented during the 2022 Convention:
Product Awards
Awarded to products new to Learning Express in Fall 2021 or Spring 2022 based upon originality, creativity, leading edge design and sales performance in each of the following categories:
Product Award Winners:
- ART: Loopdedoo Bracelet Kit from Ann Williams
- PARTY FAVORS: Tie – Fidgets from Top Trenz and Slime from DopeSlimes
- PLUSH : Squishmallows from Kelly Toy
- PRESCHOOL: Sensory Bins from Creativity for Kids
- SCIENCE: Deluxe Frog Biosphere from Froggy’s Lair
- TRANSIT: Soccer Bot from Mukikim
- TWEEN 7+: Lumiela Necklace from Mulberry Studios
- TEEN 13+: Speks Magnets from Speks
- BOOKS: Poke A Dot Books from Melissa and Doug
- ACTION/SKILL SPORTS: Stomp Racers from Stomp Rockets; Honorable Mention – Arcade Pinball from Hobbytown
- TODDLER: Dimple Line of Toys from Fat Brain Toys
- GAMES: Where’s Squeaky? Game from Blue Orange Games
- DOLLS: Mattel’s Barbie Color Reveal Doll from ACD Distribution
- INFANT: Light Up Noggin Stik from Smart Noggin
- CONSTRUCTION: Smart Max 23-piece Set from Smart Toys and Games
Toy of the Year Award Winners:
- Winner: Squishmallows from KellyToy
- Honorable Mention: DopeSlimes
Vendor Awards
Best New Vendor Award: Awarded to a new vendor who quickly understood the uniqueness of the Learning Express franchise system, saw the opportunity of working together with us to grow both our business and theirs and whose product is innovative and performs exceptionally well in our stores.
- Winner: DopeSlimes
Best Marketing Program Award: Awarded to the vendor that has offered an exciting promotion that dramatically increased customer traffic while maintaining profitable store sales.
- Winner: Schylling (Buy Two Get One Free NeeDoh Promotion)
- Honorable Mention:
- US Toys (Bunny Buffet Bucket Promotion)
- Ann Williams, Creativity for Kids & Ooly (25% off Arts & Crafts Promotion)
Sales Award: Awarded based on overall annual sales in Learning Express stores.
- First Place: KellyToy
- Second Place: Top Trenz
- Third Place: Schylling
Sales Increase Award: Awarded based on overall annual sales increase in Learning Express stores.
- First Place: KellyToy
- Second Place: Tangle
- Third Place: Novelty Toy
- Fourth Place: Streamline
Vendor of the Year Award: Awarded to the vendor that provided our stores the opportunity to substantially grow their business, at outstanding margins.
- Winner: KellyToy
- Honorable Mention: Top Trenz
About Learning Express Toys
Learning Express Toys is the nation’s leading franchisor of specialty toy stores with more than 80 locations across the country – each one locally owned and operated. Providing an extraordinary shopping experience, Learning Express Toys & Gifts is best known for its knowledgeable and playful sales staff and its unique product mix (birth – age 14). Believing that everyone who walks through the doors should be WOWED, Learning Express focuses on toys, gifts & experiences that celebrate life’s best moments.
A birthday gift registry, free gift wrapping, free personalization, civic fundraising and regularly scheduled children’s events contribute to the energetic atmosphere and exceptional customer service.
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For more information, interview requests, and media inquiries, please contact Meghan Thompson at [email protected] or (978) 889-1083.