Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Toy Industry”
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 …
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 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 …
NEW YORK, New York. At Learning Express Toys & Gifts, we are always on the lookout for the most exciting and innovative toys to bring to our customers. That’s why we’re eager to explore the opportunities at Toy Fair New York 2025, which will return to the Javits Center from March 1st to 4th. This year’s event promises to be …
NEW YORK, New York. The Toy Association has announced that Sharon DiMinico, founder of Learning Express Toys, will be inducted into the 2025 Toy Industry Hall of Fame for her significant contributions to the specialty toy industry and her support of neighborhood toy stores. DiMinico’s dedication to creating a unique, community-focused retail experience has left a lasting impact on the …
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 …
