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MYSTERY SHOPPER: BRISTOL 45
PLAYFULL
GLOUCESTER ROAD is something of a hub for independent retail and is home to a few toy shops. Playfull is only about 15 metres down the road from Totally Toys. I ask the lady in charge if this
has ever been a problem? “There’s no competition between us as we’re doing completely different things,” she says. And the difference is clear –
Playfull’s focus is on educational and quality toys, with an eclectic mix of quirky, quaint and wooden products, blending offerings from well-known suppliers with those from small British manufacturers. After explaining what I’m looking
for I’m treated to the most confident and passionate pitch of the day, with my guide showing me different toys appropriate for
87 GLOUCESTER ROAD
different levels of development. My enquiries into some simple, educational puzzles and shape sorters are met with relevant and enlightening information. I notice a playroom towards the back of the shop and it looks well used and filled with toys. With my need for something educational in mind, the shop keeper is keen to show me the extensive bookshelf. “You must have a lot of fun choosing these?” I ask. “I love children’s books,” she says. Had I been a genuine customer I would not have left empty handed. Verdict: Impressive range of toys and great shopping experience with, considered, passionate service.
5/5
I TAKE a bus to Bristol town centre, and jump off outside The Galleries, home of my next toy shop, the Early Learning Centre.
As a specialist in educational
toys for younger children, surely I would be well looked after here? The early signs are good. There’s a half-term sale on and the well- kept shop has a very accommodating layout, where baby products are divided into sections for six months, nine months and 12 months and everything else is helpfully positioned. However, ThunderCats action figures stand out like a sore thumb in the centre of the floor. Inappropriate, being neither early nor learning, but hey, if it sells, then why not? I approach a store attendant and ask for some guidance.
EARLY LEARNING CENTRE THE GALLERIES SHOPPING CENTRE She briskly walks me over to the
ELC branded Learning Laptop, which is in open-front packaging allowing her to open its top and press a few buttons to show me what it does. It’s a brief demo, but it’s better than nothing. I’m moved swiftly on to a small
Fisher Price section where I am shown Laugh and Learn, which she explains is good for teaching manners – something she has plenty of, although sadly in the absence of enthusiasm. “That’s all there really is for two
year-olds.” Verdict: Organised shop with wide range of educational toys – although there aren’t many for children aged two, apparently.
TOTALLY TOYS
IT’S HALF term week and Totally Toys is clearly a beneficiary as it is packed with kids. It bears more resemblance to a crèche than a toy shop. It’s hard to concentrate with all the screaming and excitement. “What an amazing shop,” I
overhear one parent say, with an energetic offspring in tow. I find it a little difficult to locate
what I’m looking for, partly because there is no clear order or signage but more because I’m having such fun checking out all the toys. This shop seems to have it all,
3.5/5
from licensed toys to big brands and collectables to big box items. The central island is particularly popular with patrons, featuring lower price-point items like plastic dinosaurs, bouncy balls, whoopee cushions and all that good stuff.
109 GLOUCESTER ROAD There doesn’t seem to be
anyone around to help, but somehow this doesn’t bother me. I approach the bespectacled man on the till and tell him my story. Although I interrupt him during book-keeping duty he greets me with a friendly face and gives me plenty of options, explaining that the entire far wall is dedicated to pre-school and that I should check the wooden toys and children’s books sections. Following his advice, I discover some good toys on my own. Verdict: Although I didn’t receive specific recommendations, the shop had appeal and a wide selection. Plus the children loved it – what better metric is there?
4/5 MARCH 2012
STAR STORE
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