MYSTERY SHOPPER
Colchester and the Suffolk Boarders
Britain’s oldest town boasts plenty for the High Street shopper, while the surrounding Essex/Suffolk boarders offer an array of quaint villages. Mystery Shopper explores the region for a board game, puzzle or kit for an eight year old
WILLIAMS AND GRIFFIN High Street, Colchester JACK IN THE BOX
Before my very eyes the shop owner started doing ‘The Robot‘. “We don’t have any ‘I’m going to kill you’ robots at the moment,” she said in a robotic voice. “This friendly fella may be a bit young for an eight year old,” she continued, slipping back to her normal patter. The store was wonderfully decorated. Mobiles, animals and all manner of kites hung from the ceiling. The storeowner noticed my gaping jaw as I stood
beneath the elegant dragon kite. “It’s gorgeous isn’t it?” I had to agree. “It’s fifty pounds.” I had to hold on to something. She informed me that the Owl was slightly cheaper and was really popular with kids. As tempting as these kites were, I explained, I was tasked with finding a board game, puzzle or ‘kit’ for an eight year old. “Hmmm, I’m afraid we might struggle there,” she reluctantly admitted. “We
Siur Isaac’s Walk, Colchester
haven’t really got anything for that age at the moment. Our Christmas lines are coming in soon though.” She lead me back to the
boys section. “We have this wooden noughts and crosses game?” It was charming, but too young for an eight year old. “Other than that, it’s the Nano Bloks or the Schleich models.” Complimenting her charming range of traditional toys I thanked the woman. A lovely store and experience, but sadly not for me today.
VERDICT: An elegantly understated store with a charming range and bespoke feel. Unfortunately the lines carried did not cater for every need on this occasion.
62 November 3/5
This store presented a dichotomy reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, playing on its ceiling mounted TV screen as I entered. I had stumbled into toy Narnia. From the roaring jaws of Grossman’s animatronic T-Rex that met me at the front door, to the soft monkey somersaulting its wooden bar at the other end, this Toymaster concession boasted a vibrant and exciting theatre. “I wouldn’t touch that if I
were you,” joked a store supervisor, nodding at the Tetris Bop-It. “It’s so
addictive, but such great fun.” The young lady demonstrated the device’s Bop-It abilities. “This Tetris version mixes puzzles with games.” It was a great show. But as I turned to ask what else she could suggest, my guide was called away. All attention suddenly turned from the shop floor to a loyalty card kerfuffle at the till. For 30 minutes I tried to corner just one, or any of the frantically busy assistants. Beauty and the Beasthad already lived happily ever after by the time I finally gave up the chase.
VERDICT: Promised everything, and almost delivered. Staff were clearly diligent, but may have overlooked other customers in the process.
3/5
www.toynews-online.biz
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