A TOY shop chain with stores across Cumbria is finding that toys are better bought in-store than online - and that combining retail with live events is bringing in the punters.
The Entertainer, based in Workington town centre, is a popular toy store with locations across the country, including another store in Carlisle, and it's a firm favourite for the people of Workington.
The store stocks a range of toys catering for new-borns right up to those in their late teens. The shop also has a range of adult toys including collectables and model makers.
Dave White, store manager, said: "We're a toy shop and have been in Workington for eight years now.
"We cater for children but also stock adult construction toys, models and jigsaws. Our most popular toys change year on year; a lot of collectable toys are big now - particularly collectable dolls.
"Fidget toys are still really popular and of course we find that Lego is popular all year round and is bought by people of all ages.
"We have three stores in Cumbria in total, including one in Carlisle and one in Barrow, but we have 190 stores across the country.
"The store has had a really successful run over Christmas; considering the backdrop of uncertainty and of course the cost-of-living crisis we've done very well over the festive period.
"I think that it really helps with people being able to come in and actually seeing what it looks like as opposed to just ordering online and having it turn up at your door which makes it a lot harder to send back.
"So, by being able to come to the store and check if it's the right toy, it always helps.
"We've been putting events on during school half terms and we've got our character days coming up.
"We'll be having a Paw Patrol Day in February and a Transformers Day in summer. We'll also be liaising with the town centre and council to get involved with any plans that they want to do as well.
"We'd like to thank all customers past and present and encourage them to come in and shop with us as opposed to shopping online."
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