During November 2022, hundreds of retailers across the United States will be celebrating Neighborhood Toy Store Month, an expanded version of Neighborhood Toy Store Day. Spearheaded by the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), the month-long event asks shoppers to remember the neighborhood toy stores in their communities as they kick off the holiday shopping season. Aligned with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, participating retailers offer shoppers discounts, special events and hands-on experiences with children’s toys throughout the month.
“Over a decade ago, ASTRA initiated Neighborhood Toy Store Day to champion neighborhood toy stores across the country. This year, we’re excited to expand into a month-long observance!” said Sue Warfield, president of ASTRA. “The toy industry started with small retailers like these where customers could create special moments with their families and celebrate the joy of play. Today, shoppers can still find thoughtfully curated selections of high quality toys and games in their neighborhood toy stores and we want to encourage communities to continue supporting their small local businesses.”
Included in the selection at many participating stores are the toys and games that made ASTRA’s Best Toys for Kids Award list earlier this year. The list featured toys that expert toy retailers across the country consider to be the highest quality and most sought-after items to have on 2022 holiday shopping lists.
Local residents across the country can join in the national event by finding a participating store in their community. To learn more about any product discounts, family-friendly activities, or other events each store will be offering, customers and media can contact their local stores directly.
For more information about ASTRA and Neighborhood Toy Store Month, visit astratoy.org.
Founded in 1992, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is an international not-for-profit trade organization that develops and supports a membership of independent retailers, manufacturers and sales representatives in the toy industry. As the guiding star of the specialty Play industry, ASTRA is a community of dedicated professionals committed to providing children with healthy, quality play materials that have a high play value and are designed with a focus on what the child can do, rather than what the toy can do. Through certification programs, educational resources and networking opportunities, ASTRA engages, elevates, and promotes members to make a positive impact on the economy and culture of the communities they serve. For more information, visit www.astratoy.org.