When she learned of Cairns’ plans to sell the store building and retire, she set out to explore the possibilities.
Once the building had a new owner, she contacted him about her interest in continuing a toy tradition downtown.
“I felt strongly that it should remain a toy store,” said Hall.
Soon Hall had the space and began efforts to open her second Topsy Turvy Toys. The other store is located to the north in New Bremen. The stores are members of the American Small Toy Retail Association.
The Tipp City store opened in June.
The store offerings are intended to be fun and provide an element of learning. The store offers toys for all ages from infants with books and things that stimulate through adult and family party games.
“I describe it as everything is fun, but attached with it – or just inherent with it – is a notion of learning,” Hall said. “We don’t always go in with the intention of learning, but we always learn something. That is huge.”
It’s also a natural for Hall, whose background is in education.
“We carry recognizable brands. Every toy is carefully selected and researched. I am a forever student. Sometimes I forget to work,” she said with a laugh.
Hall wants her employees to interact with customers, encouraging play in the store, such as trying out a new card game.
“It is finding the right people who are willing to play and willing to invest in the store and community. That is part of my business model, is you need to be willing to play,” she said of employees. “We have quality products to purchase but the most important thing to me is people feel comfortable playing.”
Hall was attracted to Tipp City by the friendliness she encountered on visits. She said she also “loves” the number of small businesses in the community.
“It is like joining a club,” she said.
Hours at Topsy Turvy Toys are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The store can be reached at (937) 506-7113.
Contact this contributing writer at nancykburr@aol.com
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