In Birmingham, independent toy shops are thin on the ground, however Britain’s vibrant ‘second city’ has a number of locations selling toys. Mystery Shopper’s brief: a game to play with the family, including a six year-old child...
TOGADEMUS
56 POPLAR ROAD, KINGS HEATH
THIS FRIENDLY independent is located outside of Birmingham’s city centre and boasts a wide selection from the likes of Bigjigs, Haba and Everearth. There’s a definite eco-friendly
flavour to some of the toys on offer, which, combined with the chilled- out reggae soundtrack, gives Togademus an inviting, laid back charm that sets it apart from other independents.
I ask the lady at the counter what the music is and without a word she leaves her counter to show me the collection of CDs that it comes from. I explain that I’m looking for a game to play with the kids. While Togademus does not have much in the way of mature titles, there is a decent selection of educational
JUNE 2012
games which could be fun for adults to get involved in, I’m told. My guide shows me a
comprehensive collection of titles from the German toy maker, Haba, and explains the educational lessons kids learn from each one. I get the same knowledgeable,
reassuring sales patter when shown two offerings from Cheatwell Games, which are little person’s versions of Pictionary and charades. There’s a wealth of children’s puzzles which also fit the bill. I notice the store owner has a knack for highlighting the selling points of her wares. Verdict: A charming range of toys is complemented by conscientious customer service.
4/5
THE ENTERTAINER
ANOTHER TOWN, another Entertainer for Mystery Shopper. This one – a flagship store for the retailer – has massive floorspace stocked with top kids brands and toys of the moment.
Being a corner unit, this store has an irregular shape which means it can’t adopt the traditional aisles format, but that’s not a bad thing. It means customers are led round the various sections in a way that’s fun to explore. At the front of the shop and behind the till there is a kids play area with a giant green tube slide which bends and twists behind the till operators and out of the front of the store, where kids can climb inside via a snakes mouth. As is the case with other The Entertainer stores, the price tags
LOWER MALL, BULLRING
highlight money-off deals and savings throughout.
After aimlessly exploring for about ten minutes I approach a member of staff and explain that I’m looking for a family board game that the kids can get involved with. Suggestions are Operation, The Game of Life Adventures and Deluxe Battleship.
Spotting the potential for family fun with the updated version of The Game of Life, my guide seizes the opportunity and explains the features of the game, using the box as a guide. It’s a spirited pitch. Verdict: A great range and an imaginative layout, together with the staff’s can-do- attitude make this a great branch of The Entertainer.