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Toy World Magazine October 2023 – After 20 years working at A.C. Nielsen/D&B Research Company, Rick Derr opened the first Learning Express Toys franchise in the Chicago area in 1996, and then became a sub-franchiser, opening nine more stores. Although leaving the corporate environment behind, he has combined his expertise in data and numbers with a passion for the toy …
Pepperell, MA – October 5, 2023 – Learning Express Toys and Gifts is thrilled to announce its recent recognition by Franchise Times Magazine as it secures the impressive #349 spot on the esteemed Top 400 list of franchises. This prestigious ranking is a testament to Learning Express’s dedication to delivering exceptional toy and gift retail experiences to customers and franchisees …
THE TOY BOOK – The holiday season is officially underway for the toy industry, and following the debut of The Toy Insider’s 18th annual Holiday Gift Guide, retailer predictions and hot toy lists are rolling out. While many hot lists skew toward toys and games that are primarily sold at mass retail, the specialty market is more nuanced. Independent toy …
Andover, MA, August 25, 2023 – Join Learning Express Toys, the nation’s largest specialty toy retailer, for a fun-filled, weekend-long Grand Opening celebration at its newly reopened location in Andover, MA, Friday, September 8th through Sunday, September 10th. The weekend will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday at 1pm followed by activities, discounts, giveaways, Pipedream cupcake truck and …
Natick, MA, August 18, 2023 – Join Learning Express Toys, the nation’s largest educational toy retailer, for a fun-filled, weekend-long grand opening celebration at its brand-new location inside the Natick Mall in Natick, MA, Friday, September 8th through Sunday, September 10th. Customers can stop by for photo opportunities with costumed characters as well as fun activities and a Make Your …
The Toy Book – Learning Express Toys & Gifts wrapped up its annual Convention and Toy Expo in June. The convention was held at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois this year, which marked the 36th anniversary of the franchise, and the 24th in-person convention. The franchise experienced record sales in recent years. Four new locations have …
PEOPLE OF PLAY – The Learning Express Toys & Gifts Franchise hosted its annual Convention and Toy Expo in Schaumburg, IL earlier this week. This year marked the 36th anniversary of the franchise, and 24th in-person Convention, and gave franchisees a chance to celebrate their community while getting a first look at upcoming products from nationwide vendors. The best vendors and products were presented …
PEOPLE OF PLAY – Learning Express Toys and Gifts vendors donated thousands of toys to Kidz Korna at the end of the franchise’s annual convention and vendor expo this week. The convention was held at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois. With over 100 vendors in attendance, as they were breaking down their booths, most set aside …
THE TOY BOOK – In this week’s episode of the “Power Kid Podcast,” host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design welcomes Lauren Derse, CEO of Learning Express Toys & Gifts to the show. Derse leads the largest franchised toy store chain in the U.S. and has vast experience with store ownership and oversight. Learning Express is known for its expert …
WTOL CBS 11 – Rene Rusgo, owner of Learning Express Toys & Gifts of Sylvania, OH, shows off some toys and games from Learning Express that will encourage kids to both have fun and learn. Click here for video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuEh3xrhr1g
