Independent toy shop looks to capitalize on Toys R Us closing

<p>The closing of Toys R Us has opened the market for locally owned toy stores during the holiday season.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

Dec 12, 2018, 3:49 AM

Updated 1,984 days ago

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The closing of Toys R Us has opened the market for locally owned toy stores during the holiday season.
Just Kidding Around in Montclair is one store looking to take advantage of the new open market.
"We've definitely seen a growth from the loss of Toys R Us," says Chelsea Smith, of Just Kidding Around. "We've had new customers come in and say I didn't know where to go but thankfully I found you."
The toy chain closed up for good in June so now the biggest competition for independently run stores are Target and Amazon.
One way they try to compete is through social media.
"We don't have money for commercials," says Nissa Murphy, of Just Kidding Around. "We don't have money for putting ourselves out there."
Instead they post specialty toys and special events on Instagram. They also say customer service and a personal touch is something they offer. 
The owners of Just Kidding Around say that their sales are slightly better than last year.
They are waiting for the end of the holiday season to see exactly how well they did.


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