Playthings Etc. is a toy store located in Butler PA. They like to stand out in all aspects of their business to gain attention of people driving by. Their building is in the shape of a stealth bomber so it is impossible to miss. Even their business cards are unique and shaped like a stealth bomber as well. The focus of the company is on experience rather than just trying to sell. When you walk in the store there are designated areas where you can try out the toys you might by so that you can see how they really work. This helps customers see if they really like a product before they actually pay. It is a fun, playful, childlike environment focusing on the target market.
Their tagline is “the world’s coolest toy store”. They try to have the best new and wackiest toys to ensure that customers find something new to experience every time they shop there. This business focus helps to provide a place that customers want to go to even just to see something new. Kids want to go to see new toys and play with whatever they want to see. Parents love the idea of letting their kids play with toy before they buy it. They can see if their kid actually loves a toy and will play with it for a long time, or they can see that their kid will get bored in five minutes. All aspects of this help to create a trusting relationship between buyer and seller and lead to great sales numbers.
BoweryJE22
I remember hearing about this store. They certainly took a unique approach to sell toys, unlike most other stores.
As a physical toy store in rural Pennsylvania, I have to imagine they face a lot of difficulties, especially as retail continues to decline. Leaning into the experiential side of a physical store definitely seems like the right move, but demand will likely run out eventually.
I love this store. I’ve gone several times since I’ve been in school. I agree that business must be tough sometimes, but I imagine take their kids to play all the time. It’s an amazing look and feel. At the end of the day, parents are the ones buying anyway, so maybe making them feel like a kid gets them in the mood to buy. Thanks for choosing an example that’s so close to home!
I’ve never actually ventured out there but after reading this and realizing their sales model I am so interested. That is a really smart strategy, allowing kids to actually play with the toys before they or their parents purchase the toy. I imagine this lends itself for higher customer satisfaction and overall reputation. I need to check this place out!
I think their whole marketing strategy is awesome and they do well with sticking to their theme in all aspects! I would love to go see the wacky toys and see what the “experience” is like haha. The only negative thing I see is the fact that the building looks kind of creepy and a tourist or someone that was not from the area would be creeped out, because I know I would be!
They very clearly demonstrate building a relationship and trust with your customers. I heard they have prank hand sanitizer (if anyone is interested, it is slime haha ;)) Great way to lighten the mood and bring some comedic relief during the craziness we’ve had lately!
I’ve driven by this store multiple times and it is one of the must unique buildings that I have seen. Although I have never ben inside I have always been curious to what they have in the store. It is definitely a interesting selling technique but that is their differentiator from the competition.
Playthings Etc. is certainly an interesting store. As a college student, me and my friends went there and I gotta say, it was pretty fun lol. Turns out though that they make a majority of their money from selling drones to adults, not from selling typical toys. Apparently local farmers use the drones to see their plots. Just an interesting market they are in.