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
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
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. …
Thousands of toys donated to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Florida
HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) – A truckload of toys made their way to a South Florida children’s hospital, a special delivery that promises to bring smiles to the young patients and take some of the stress out of a hospital visit. 7News cameras on Wednesday captured stuffed animals, dollhouses, play sets and other toys that will be gifted to patients at …
Multi-Unit Learning Express Storeowner Reveals Top Toys For Spring
COLLEGEVILLE, PA. Caroline Brant, owner of two Learning Express stores in Pennsylvania; Learning Express Toys of Collegeville and Blue Bell, was recently interviewed on Fox 29 Philadelphia. She reveals her top picks for the Spring and Easter season. To view the entire interview, click the link below. https://www.fox29.com/video/1045493
State of the Industry Q&A 2022: Learning Express
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
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 …
Kids drive demand via TikTok as Learning Express web sales soar
Digital Commerce 360 Gretchen Salois Original Article Posted at Digital Commerce 360. The pandemic fueled a social commerce phenomenon that resulted in an unexpected jump in web sales thanks to children sharing popular toys like Pop Its and Squishmallows on TikTok. Toy retail chain Learning Express is riding this wave of success while keeping an eye out for the next …
Reno Franchise Prepares Inventory for Holiday Season
RENO, Nevada. Learning Express of Reno, NV recently explained their holiday inventory strategy and “Shop Early” advertising campaign on local television station Channel 2 KTVN. As a result of shipping delays and product scarcity, owner Jennifer Frederito gave advice to shoppers all around the country. “Several families have already done all of their Christmas shopping, and it’s only September,” she …
Fidget Craze Drives Repeat Customer Traffic
DEVENS, Massachusetts. A new fidget is in town, and this one has staying power. In 2017, a particular design of spinning device went off patent, and toy developers across the world started to manufacture and market the device as a toy for keeping restless hands busy and keeping its users focused. Whether or not fidget spinners achieved their marketed purpose, …