MYSTERY SHOPPER
Bristol JACK AND JILL TOY SHOP
‘How apt,’ I panted to myself as I neared the top of one of Bristol’s many dramatic hills. ‘For this shop to be called Jack and Jill’s must be more than coincidence’. Visibly exhausted from the steep one mile walk from the station, I entered the store and was immediately revived by what I saw. From traditional wooden sets, to collectable pocket money toys, from arts and crafts to imaginative play, the store found space for it all.
Even those looking for giant soft toy giraffes would have left happy. From behind her till, the
store owner asked if she could be of assistance. We were soon discussing the best toy for a three year old niece, for whom princesses and fairies were not on the agenda. “Playmobil is an option,” she said. “It’s like a younger child’s LEGO, but cheaper. Plus, no fairies.” Her collection spanned an entire bay, and as I looked, I warmed
Famed for its floating harbour and laidback atmosphere, Bristol is also a hot bed of independent retail. This month Mystery Shopper explores the city’s toy shops in search of an alternative toy for £15 for a three year old niece
TOTALLY TOYS Wells Road, Bristol
to the idea. “We do have a range of puzzles out the back, too,” she told me, suggesting that Orchard Toys’ puzzles feature different scenarios all helping with learning and development. In the midst of the wooden kitchen sets, the educational toys, and outdoor products, my attention, was drawn to the toy air pump rocket launcher. “Yes, why not,” laughed the
woman. “Girls can enjoy rockets just as much as boys can.”
VERDICT: A treasure chest atop a hill, this store is a just reward after a trek from the city centre. Delightful service made for an enjoyable experience and the owner’s knowledge allowed her to think outside the box for a present with a difference.
76 October 4/5
30 minutes and countless laps of the store later, and having tried on nearly every one of the store’s Puppet Company puppet’s and pushed every button with the words ‘try me’ above it, I decided to seek help. The friendly older gentleman behind the till extinguished my irritation with a smile. The store itself could not have left any child wanting. Dressing up costumes, LEGO, Playmobil, and action figures all commanded their own wall displays in the far section. Towards the centre, pocket money lines and collectables
Gloucester Road, Bristol
met with knights and dragons from Papo, animals from Schleich, pre-school toys, traditional wooden sets and educational and musical toys. The traditional mixed with the commercial as Disney lined the far wall. Opposite, a wall of Barbie and Monster High stood watch over a middle section filled with arts and crafts, science kits, LEGO Friends and more. “Play-Doh…” he announced
excitedly. He handed me a Play-Doh dentistry set. Coming in nicely under budget, too, this was one happy customer.
VERDICT: A long wait, but rescued by friendly, helpful and sincere service. Vast range caters for all needs and markets. A truly exciting store.
3/5
www.toynews-online.biz
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