Carol is quoted, and Tomfoolery Toys & Books is mentioned, in this AP article about independent toy stores! She was interviewed by the reporter a couple of days ago.
Magic, expertise and service help independent toy retailers
When small store owners hire, they are looking for people who love children and can be patient with them and their parents. Being able to answer parents' questions is "a full-time job for all of us," says Carol Staley, owner of Tomfoolery Toys in Houston.
Sometimes parents are looking for Barbie or Star Wars toy. Mary Arnold carries some national brands including Barbie because customers want them, but many indies don't. Staley says if a customer wants a name brand she doesn't offer, she recommends a nearby Target and doesn't worry about losing a sale.
"If I don't have it, I'm doing a service by helping them find it," she says.
- By JOYCE M. ROSENBERG, AP BUSINESS WRITER
When small store owners hire, they are looking for people who love children and can be patient with them and their parents. Being able to answer parents' questions is "a full-time job for all of us," says Carol Staley, owner of Tomfoolery Toys in Houston.
Sometimes parents are looking for Barbie or Star Wars toy. Mary Arnold carries some national brands including Barbie because customers want them, but many indies don't. Staley says if a customer wants a name brand she doesn't offer, she recommends a nearby Target and doesn't worry about losing a sale.
"If I don't have it, I'm doing a service by helping them find it," she says.
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