Port Washington Learning Express brings adventure, fun back to shopping

Paul Harrington Franchise News, Owner Spotlight

The Island 360 – The thrill of choice, the exhilaration of adventure and the opportunity to explore — these are some ideas that inspired Michelle Pascucci, a Port Washington, NY, mother, to open her community’s newest toy store. Learning Express, at 61 Shore Road, opened in late October. Pascucci is also the executive director of Parsons Preschool in Queens. She …

Learning Express Toys & Gifts of Chico Opening October 15th

Paul Harrington Franchise News, Local Franchise News Article

Chico, CA, October 3rd, 2022 – Join Learning Express Toys, the nation’s largest educational toy retailer, for a fun-filled, weekend-long grand opening celebration at its brand-new Chico, CA location Saturday, Oct. 15 through Sunday, Oct. 16. The celebration will feature appearances by Elsa, Moana, Jasmine and Ariel!  Customers can stop by for photo opportunities, free snacks, meet the new owners …

Learning Express Toys & Gifts Ranks on Franchise Times Top 500

Paul Harrington Franchise News, Franchising, Toy Industry

The Franchise Times Top 500 is an exclusive annual ranking of the 500 largest U.S.-based franchise systems by global systemwide sales. The project is the result of a five-month research and reporting effort that leads to the most credible and objective franchise ranking available. With many of the measures meant to slow down the coronavirus pandemic coming to an end …

Learning Express Toys & Gifts Names Lauren Derse CEO

Paul Harrington Convention, Franchise Expos, Franchise News, Retail, Toy Industry

The Toy Book – Learning Express founder Sharon DiMinico marked the 35th anniversary of the company — the leading franchisor of specialty toy stores in the U.S. — by passing the torch to her daughter, Lauren Derse, who takes on the role of CEO. “Lauren brings with her a Harvard Business School degree but more importantly, she has had in-store …

An American Reports from the Toymaster May Show

Meghan Thompson Convention, Franchise News, Franchising, Retail, Toy Industry

ToyWorld Magazine – Mike Derse is director of Business Development at Learning Express Toys. Based in Massachusetts, Mike heads up franchise and new business development, strategic planning, financial reporting, real estate and franchise compliance. Here he reports on his recent visit to the Toymaster May Show in Harrogate. Full Article: https://issuu.com/toyworldmag/docs/toy_world_magazine_july_2022_sml/s/16238141

Learning Express Toys Appoints New CEO at Annual Convention Commemorating 35 Years of Play

Meghan Thompson Convention, Franchise News, Franchising, Retail, Toy Industry, Uncategorized

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. …

State of the Industry Q&A 2022: Learning Express

Meghan Thompson Franchise News, Franchising, Retail, Toy Industry

The Toy Book Sharon DiMinico, founder and CEO at Learning Express, talks about supply chain disruptions, top toy trends, and Learning Express exclusives in the Toy Book’s annual State of the Industry Q&A. The Toy Book: How did Learning Express plan for supply chain disruptions early in 2021?  Sharon DiMinico: Because of our close partnerships with our vendors, we knew early last year …

Learning Express Prepares for its Biggest Year Yet

Meghan Thompson Franchise News, Franchising, Retail, Toy Industry

Retail Merchandiser, Strategies for Growth With its network of locally owned toy stores continuing to grow, Learning Express prepares for its biggest year yet. As a company known for its dedicated network of local storeowners, friendly atmosphere and impressive range of on-trend toys, Learning Express continues to see success. With the help of its brand-new website, exclusive range of Squishmallow …