Glasgow retailer rebrands after toys takes over its business Specialist plans to open even more stores… by Lewis Tyler
called A1 Comics, of course – set to open in a month’s time.
A1 COMICS has changed its name to A1 Toys.
Although owner David Burns’ passion for comic books led him to establish the store 25 years ago, he has no regrets over swapping comics for toys on the front door. “It’s just the way business has gone. It totally makes sense to change it,” he told ToyNews. “We’ve been trading as A1 Comics for 25 years, but now the comics part of the business has got so small in relation to the toys side of the business, we’ve took this opportunity to separate out the two parts.”
There are now three A1 Toys shops, with a dedicated comic store –
COUNTER INSURGENT
This month, our mystery retail columnist shares their view of the 2012 Toymaster show…
ANOTHER year passes for the Toymaster show, and what a show it was. At last the sun came out
and sent the marquee into hot temperatures, and whoever had the brilliant idea of the ice cream van made it bearable. I did suggest Flair should pay for all the ice creams as sponsorship for the Sylvanian Families Ice Cream Van, but I believe that fell on deaf ears. Once again the event proved what a vital cog it is in the toy calendar now. The unveiling of Furby and many other toys made it so important for the indies to see the latest ideas. It was good to see the Toy
Fair refuseniks there as well. There was a great buzz all through the day and the night. Things got rocking with a great birthday bash for [Toymaster operations manager] Yogi Parmar, and Hasbro proved to make the hit of the night with
JULY 2012
A1 Comics started selling toys 20 years ago, with products based on comic book characters like Batman, and the toy business gradually grew. Burns explained: “Over the last five years we’ve got more and more mainstream, to the extent that we now stock everything from Fisher- Price to paddling pools. “I’d like to say we’re both Glasgow’s best comic book and toy shop.” Burns estimates that comic book sales now represent less than five per cent of his total business. The Toymaster member is now looking to expand A1 Toys further. “We’re planning to open another one, possibly two stores,” he added.
FACEBOOK HELPS
A1 owner David Burns (inset) has been in business for 25 years…
A1 DRAW A CROWD OVER 800 customers flocked to A1 Toys for a WWE signing event, after the retailer advertised it on Facebook. Wrestling fans queued for up to four hours to buy Mattel WWE toys and get them signed by stars John Morrison, The Miz and R-Truth. “We are delighted with the phenomenal turnout at the WWE signing at A1 Comics,” Mattel’s boys marketing manager Jonathan Kirkley told ToyNews. “This is a fantastic example of how social media can be effectively utilised to drive footfall in store.” Turn to page 33 for our special feature on how social media can help boost sales.
the Nerf Guns. Perhaps the only downside was Wetherspoons having so many beers to choose from. As the Olympics approach,
we all hope the predicted big boom in spending will find its way into toy shops. Hopefully some sunshine will help sell the pools we bought last year. Or was it the year before?
Lastly, and very importantly, let me encourage and support all the members of the industry taking part in the Three Peaks challenge. I admire your courage and commitment in what you are all doing. And can I speak for most of the industry when I say, please, if someone hasn’t replied to one of your pleas for money, don’t think we
haven’t given any. I have been bombarded from all quarters for sponsorship, and it’s the clever people who got in early before I knew it was so industry-spread who have received most of my giving. I have however tried to up that, via swear boxes and fining myself when I have extra pints (that one got a lot of money at
the Toymaster show). I did toy with the idea of a fine box for every stupid question the staff ask, but that might mean some wouldn’t get any wages in one week. So please, if you don’t get sponsorship, don’t think we don’t care. I hope everyone in the industry has got behind you, and good luck.