Sedona, AZ: Responding to visitors asking over and over again if there was a toy store at Tlaquepaque, partner and general manager Wendy Lippman began months of intensive research talking to friends, parents, attending trade shows, and visiting a good friend who owns a very successful toy store in Santa Monica, California. And as Lippman spent time with kids she got more and more excited. When a space opened up recently at the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village Lippman decided “go for it” and opened Tlaquepaque Toy Town.
“We really wanted to open a shop at Tlaquepaque that balanced out what we offer here and was also a store that locals would want to spend time in, not just when visitors came to town,” said Lippman.
“Tlaquepaque Toy Town was created to really engage a child’s mind and creativity. You won’t find any video games here. What you will see are functional, authentic, well- constructed toys at a great value. And we’re just getting started so I encourage people to tell us what’s missing. We’re open. Talk to Christine, our general manger. She has an extensive background in child development. She has also taught in the Montessori system and has young grandkids herself. She is wonderful.”
The 700-plus square feet of space is tastefully jam-packed and bursting with toys for kids from toddlers to preteen. The store features a wide range of Calico Critters, eco-conscious art supplies from the German company Faber Castell, Elenco snap circuits for curious boys (and girls), beautifully polished wood toys and timeless wooden parking garages and cars, Groovy Girls, Charm It Charms Jewelry, Corelle dolls, Educo games and toys, Creativity Kits and cool dress up outfits for both sexes. Coming soon: spy gear with walkie-talkies and night vision goggles.
Only open a week, numerous first-time visitors, impressed with the quality and variety of the toys, thought the store had been there for years, according to store manager Christine Schmierer.
A wide range of eco-friendly, non-toxic toys, and organic cotton dolls are also on display following the latest trends in conscious purchasing to help the planet. To fend off the Arizona sun there is great selection of water games, squirt guns, soakers, wriggling water snakes and curiosities.
