MYSTERY SHOPPER SUMMARY
Bristol offers a great selection of very highly scoring independent toy stores, each offering its own interpretation of the city’s alternative yet welcoming atmosphere. From European handmade wooden toys to the latest line from Disney, Bristol’s indies will go out of their way to cater to every toy buyer’s whim.
PLAYFULL Gloucester Road, Bristol
Playfull couldn’t be more at home than in Bristol. The perfect accompaniment to the city’s bohemia, the store offered a vast selection of wooden toys, books and arts and crafts, so full with homely nostalgia, it felt like walking into Santa’s grotto. Everything sung of the traditional. From the elaborate
window display to the centrepiece wooden toy
showcase, from the glass cabinet at the till hosting a collection of beautifully handmade toys even to the creaking of the wooden flooring with every step. And as Eva Cassidy
played out over the stereo, I succumbed to the store’s seduction. “I’m after a present for my three year old niece,” I told the store owner, “but she’s a bit of a tomboy.”
“Pirates!” Realising it was more of a
suggestion than a cry of panic, I followed him to a collection of pirate puzzles. “These are wonderful,” he told me. He then led me through a range of wooden toys and traditional games. Amazon dominoes, wooden barns and farm yard sets, memory games, castles, knights, some coming in on budget, others blowing it
out of the water. I cared not. He then directed me to the line of books. Fairy tales dominated, but every now and then something a little bit different jumped out. Homing in on one, the manager flicked through the book, mooing, meowing and woofing along with the narrative. An eccentric perhaps? But one who certainly made the right career choice.
VERDICT: For traditional imaginative play and handmade wooden toys, look no further. Exquisite stock complemented with great service from someone clearly passionate about his store. Like visiting Lapland on a summer’s day.
One minute I was explaining my brief, the next I was reading a book about a
JUST SO
“Ah, so you don’t want anything pink and fluffy then?“ laughed the friendly store manager. “Exactly right.“ I replied. One minute I was chatting away and explaining my brief to the kindly gentleman. The next I was reading a book about a school bus made from poo, driven by a disgusting toad who eats his fly passengers. I was hooked, but decided I best stick to toys. The manager directed me towards a familiar collection of Djeco puzzles, featuring
Henleaze Road, Bristol
not only pirates, but nursery rhymes such as Red Riding Hood, Pinocchio and Three Little Pigs. The store was very neat and tidy, but maintained a vibrant and excitable atmosphere with tables of interactive wooden train sets laid out. An array of puppets sprouted from a stand, while the counter was a hive of soft characters and finger puppets. “We have a lot of great imaginative play-sets, some geared more towards boys, but girls can enjoy
school bus made from poo, driven by a disgusting toad. I was hooked.
them just as much.” We both eyed a large wooden pirate ship from Le Toy Van. Magnificent, but sadly over budget. “Shopping List is a very popular game with kids of that age,” he continued. “It’s a memory game that helps with development but also kids just enjoy putting the items in the trolley.” My attention was drawn to a hobby horse. “It’s a little older, and you’re almost back at pink and fluffy again, but what a lovely toy, and it gets ’em active.”
VERDICT: A great collection of toys and games for girls and boys of all ages. A neat yet vibrant atmosphere delivering an excitement through great service. And a book collection of at least one very hilarious read.
www.toynews-online.biz 4/5 THE STRIPY OWL
My heart sunk at the sight of the ‘closed’ sign staring back at me through the glass. I was two hours too late. As I turned to wander back, the door swung open. “You want to come in?” I entered, knotted with the guilt of my mission. “We close at three usually, but you’re welcome to have a look mate.” The affable young
manager switched the lights back on and offered his assistance. The store was fascinating. With an edginess that echoed the feel of Bristol, it offered a range of wooden toys, games and
5/5
Church Road, Redfield, Bristol
soft characters, all of which I was told were sourced from across the globe. Les Deglingoes caught my eye, a range of quirky, cartoon-like soft wolf and monkey characters. As we chatted, the owner handed me toys to look at. Charming wooden puzzles, play-sets, dominoes and Kiddimoto bikes littered the room, each incorporating a rustically wooden yet engaging excitement. Leading me to the books, the owner explained the relevance and importance of reading at that age, picking out a few popular titles.
VERDICT: I was bowled over by the manager’s hospitality as he seemed only too happy to chat through his off beat selection of toys.
4/5 October 77
STORE STAR
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