PROVIDENCE -- It's a kid's paradise -- a huge room filled with thousands of toys.
However, the event is actually for adults -- the owners of independent toy stores across the country. They were in Providence on Monday to shop early for the holiday rush.
"We're not about more. We're about better. Better quality toys that children are going to play with longer," said Kathleen McHugh of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association.
McHugh said at least 30 toys were making their debut at the event.
Trends this year include toys that get kids outside and encourage them to move. Eco-friendly toys that teach kids about science and the environment are also popular.
One of this year's award winners is made in southern New England by Thames and Kosmos, a Providence-based company.
"Our mission is to improve the quality of informal science education, which means science education outside of the classroom, and in people's homes," said Ted McGuire of Thames and Kosmos.
The company has more than 60 kits available, so kids can build their own project from start to finish.
The 2009 holiday season was a tough one for many small businesses. But store owners said they're feeling positive about Christmas 2010.
"What they've really done is laser focus down to running their business as best as they possibly can. And for that reason, they're much stronger now," McHugh said.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement