Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Toy Industry”
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 …
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 …
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 …
TOY WORLD MAGAZINE – The 114-page October issue is packed with a plethora of insight, news, product launches and exclusive interviews from across the industry. As we move into the all-important last quarter of the year, Toy World brings you all the latest industry insight and takes a look at what is bound to be a busy build up to …
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 …
