MYSTERY SHOPPER
CELEBRATIONS AND TOYS
DESPITE APPEARING as a cluster of sheds in the Stowmarket countryside, Stonham Barns Leisure and Retail complex houses a driving range, pottery class, an owl sanctuary, and of course, a toy shop. Celebrations and Toys
was decked out with almost every kind of traditional or wooden toy imaginable, from Papo’s pocket money Pirates,
to Djeco’s high-end wooden role-play sets. Knocking my head on
various dangly wooden things with every step, I perused the store. There was plenty to see, including a dedicated puppet stand, wooden play- set area as well as a Create- a-Bear workshop. The friendly shop owner approached, asking if I
needed any help. I told her I was looking for a wooden play-set for my niece. She sprang in to action, talking me through the different sets and carefully explaining the age ranges. She showed me a selection of Melissa and Doug wooden cup cake and cup cake stands, a Slice and Bake Cookie set, right up to larger kitchen and shop sets.
wooden food. “Some of these sets may
have pieces that are a bit too small for a two year old,” she warned.
“So just be careful, they
may need supervision when playing, or just take these out until they are a bit bigger.” She knew her stuff. “Our most popular are
these wooden pizzas that
Stonham Barns, Pettaugh Road, Stowmarket It was a veritable feast of
come with a wooden toy pizza cutter.”
I had to admit, the set was making me hungry. She left me to continue
my hunt. I thanked her for her help and tore myself away from the store before I bought myself a collection of excellent, but not-quite- needed wooden Pirate figures. Now, where to eat?
Verdict: Celebrations and Toys had some fantastic products and play-sets on offer for both boys and girls, proving that traditional and wooden toys are anything but boring. From pocket money to higher end products, there was something for everyone. The service was very knowledgeable and friendly, while the shop displayed fantastic innovation with its own Create-a-Bear workshop.
and licensed characters, sets from Orchard Toys, Manhattan Toys and more. I approached the woman at the counter to ask for assistance. “We have a lot of wooden toys here,” she informed me.
She made a beeline for SPOTS Southwald Post Office
WITH THE sea practically lapping at the door of this beach-town toy shop, Spots was plastered with buckets and spades and all manner of seaside holiday accessories. Ride-ons, balance bikes
and scooters were in one corner, while with a turn to the right I was faced with a traditional toy shop. Shelves were stacked with puzzles, plush animals
a wooden scooter in the window display. “This is a lovely little
thing,” she told me. “It is a bit expensive, but great quality.” At £60 I agreed it was lovely, but way over my budget. “Ah. Here you go.” She had struck gold.
She handed me Wooden Noah’s Ark from Jamm Toys. “This is wonderful, we can open it up if you want.” I conceded that the
product was a lovely looking set with a lovely looking price tag to match.
Verdict: A charming toy shop in a popular beach side destination, Spots has plenty to offer. Whether looking for a water pistol or a birthday present, there was something for everyone.
www.toynews-online.biz 4/5 BULSTRODES
FOR A store boasting expertise in flooring and carpeting, Bulstrodes had an inordinate number of toys in its shop window. Which was just as well, as I’m not sure how relevant a deep pile rug would be to a two year old. From toys to door mats, the shop was like an Argos on steroids. The toy offering spanned
five aisles, one of which was completely dedicated
27 Bridge Street, Framlingham
to Orchard Toys games and puzzles. The others were filled with LEGO, pocket money gifts and arts and crafts kits. After a good 15 minutes, the
storeowner asked me what I was after. “We have some fantastic
LEGO Junior and DUPLO sets.” She explained they were ideal for developing motor skills. I confess, I was close to
walking out with a lighter wallet and a LEGO Superman set.
Verdict: Bulstrodes is a bizarre little shop, offering everything under one roof. However, as one of the only shops situated in its little village, it was certainly the hub of the community.
4/5 SUMMARY
This month’s assignment took Mystery Shopper to Ipswich and Suffolk, in what must be the highest scoring range of shops to date. Each store demonstrated the benefits of diversification, and possibly the challenges with taking on so much. Celebrations and Toys comes out as the top scoring store this month for an exciting product offering and a great looking store. While each shop demonstrated excellent customer service and product knowledge, Toyworld was scored less for its staffing availability, proving the importance of being as hands on and interactive with every customer as possible. Bulstrades only just missed out, but showed how excellent service always has the potential to generate a sale.
July 43 5/5
STORE STAR
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