PreschoolNews.net talks to Jayne Rees from Eve’s Toy Shop in Llandeilo about how trade has been through the summer.
“The Minister for Wales didn’t give us much time to prepare to reopen – announcing on a Friday afternoon that we could open our doors to the public the following Monday,” Jayne Rees from Eve’s Toy Shop in Llandeilo explained to PreschoolNews.net.
It was the news that Jayne and her team had been waiting to hear – however, during lockdown she had decided to refresh the shop with new shelving, a deep clean, a “much needed” stock take and a full cupboard sort out, which meant everything needed to be put back into place before the Monday re-opening.
For the first few weeks in Wales, there was still a five-mile rule on travel which meant the customers were local, Jayne says that takings were “better than expected and we began to restock as our suppliers slowly got back on their feet. Once the five-mile rule was relaxed, holiday makers began to arrive and I must say, for us we’ve had a positive few weeks.
“During lockdown we came up with the idea to theme certain areas of the shop so we now have a dinosaur, jungle, under the sea and space area throughout the shop. Customers seem to love it and it works well with the children running to visit their favourite places.”
Preschool toys are “always in demand” in the store, with Jayne highlighting first jigsaws, shape sorters, chunky wooden toys from Lanka Kade, Indigo Jamm, Tenderleaf toys and Janod all performing well.
“Toddler toys by Le Toy Van and first games by Orchard toys, Djeco and Haba are regularly leaving our shelves. Our beautiful children’s books are always popular and good sellers, too.”
As for the future, Jayne remains optimistic but cautious.
“After going through one recession just a few years ago, I am apprehensive; the next few months should be okay, though we will need to work at it,” she says. “Personally I’ve missed the trade fairs and as we edge ever closer to Christmas, I’m not as organised as I’d like to be. My biggest concern at the moment – though I’m trying not to think of it just yet – is what lies ahead after the Christmas period is over and as we progress towards the new year in 2021… a period which is routinely quite quiet.”
