See what we've been up to!
NORTH ANDOVER, Massachusetts. The Boston Globe recently spotlighted the national craze surrounding NeeDoh, the squishy sensory toy from Schylling that has become one of the hottest toys in recent memory. The article traces NeeDoh’s rise from a clever, retro-inspired stress-ball alternative into a full-blown toy phenomenon driven by TikTok, sold-out shipments, long lines, and enthusiastic customers searching for the next …
NAPERVILLE, Illinois. When a classic sensory toy suddenly became one of the hottest items in retail, the owners of Learning Express Toys & Gifts in Naperville were ready to explain why. In a feature by Naperville Community Television, local store owners shared firsthand insight into the explosive popularity of NeeDoh and how specialty toy stores help families discover trending products …
BEDFORD, Massachusetts. The viral NeeDoh craze is sweeping the country, and independent toy stores are right at the center of the excitement. As highlighted in a recent USA Today feature, shoppers are lining up and shelves are quickly clearing as demand surges for these colorful, squishy stress-relief toys that have taken over social media and playgrounds alike. For Lauren Derse …
AVENTURA, Florida. A new viral trend is bringing families into toy stores across the country, and Learning Express store owners are right in the middle of it. In a recent feature by NBC Miami, Isaac Bendrao of Learning Express Toys & Gifts Aventura store shared how the “NeeDoh hunting” craze is creating incredible energy in-store. What started as a simple …
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama. In a recent feature from WVTM 13, the team at Learning Express Toys Cahaba Heights was highlighted during the final days of Christmas shopping. Shoppers were in great spirits, even those rushing to finish their lists, and store team members played a key role in helping customers quickly find the perfect gifts. The store also shared insight into …
ORLANDO, Fla., June 30, 2025 — Learning Express Toys, the nation’s leading franchisor of specialty toy stores, proudly hosted its 26th Annual Convention & Toy Expo at the enchanting Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Walt Disney World. The event, held from June 22nd to June 25th, united store owners, managers, and more than 100 top toy vendors from across the …
DEVENS, Massachuetts. Recently, the article “Learning Express: A Family Run Toy Empire” appeared in The American Executive, a business-and-leadership magazine. The piece chronicles how Learning Express Toys & Gifts has successfully navigated a retail landscape dominated by e-commerce giants by embracing a community-centric, nostalgia-infused model. CEO Lauren Derse, who has been connected to the business since childhood as the daughter …
THE WOODLANDS, TX — Learning Express of The Woodlands is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated ‘Kid-preneur’ Pop-Up Shop on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This exciting quarterly event gives young entrepreneurs the chance to showcase and sell their handcrafted creations in a real-world retail setting. The event will feature local children …
Rice Village is set to welcome a new destination for educational and creative play as Learning Express Toys & Gifts gears up for a grand opening event spanning three days, from March 28 to March 30. A Hub for Learning and Fun Learning Express Toys & Gifts specializes in educational items designed to support child development from newborns to preteens. …
The 25th Anniversary Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards celebrated the most innovative and creative toys in the industry, but this year’s event held special significance for Learning Express Toys and its visionary founder, Sharon DiMinico. As a pioneer in the specialty toy industry, DiMinico’s induction into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame marks a well-deserved recognition of her profound …
