Toy Up is one of a few locally owned toy stores in Little Rock competing with giant retailers this holiday season. "We were a little down from last year, from what our Black Friday was, but we're real close to it, so we know, hopefully that we'll be able to catch up," says Toy Up Assistant Manager, Charlotte DeVolin.
It's hard to keep up with Big Box retailers offering such deep discounts on toys, but DeVolin says Toy Up counts on quality service and merchandise to keep customers coming in, rather than quantity. "I like the quality and the selection. There's way more to choose from here, I mean, there's a huge selection of puzzles, you don't get that at Wal-Mart or Target. And this stuff lasts," says Nichole Sanders who is shopping for her 21 month old daughter, Atia. Sanders also says shopping in locally owned stores is less stressful and someone is always there to help.
DeVolin says Toy Up also offers coupons, has a room designated to toys on-sale and offers free gift wrapping to compete for that quality service.
