It’s official;
Toys R Us is closing all of its stores.
I was not a fan of Toys R Us but it had it’s place. Toys R Us was a vast, impersonal, cheap warehouse of toys. Many of the news reports include the obligatory statement, “I fondly remember my annual birthday trip to Toys R Us to pick out my favorite toy,” but that was from a time when the emphasis was on collecting the most stuff and not on the value of the experience.
If all you wanted was a quick grab and go at a cheap price Toys R Us was a good choice. At least it was somewhat local and at least you could hold and look at the real product. But Toys R Us fell to much larger, cheaper, soulless vending machines found in bigger box stores and online. Toys R Us went legally bankrupt from a lack of cash but they were also bankrupt in value, in relationships, and in community.
Local Independent Toy and Hobby Stores are the Answer
Quality toy and hobby retailers, like Fundemonium, are at the opposite end of the Toys R Us spectrum. Instead of vast shelves, our toys are carefully selected. Instead of cheap prices, we offer real value. Instead of soulless transactions, we build relationships with our customers and our community.
When you enter Fundemonium, you enter a community committed to supporting creativity and fun for you, for your family, and for your community.
Better Selection not Massive Selection
Fundemonium offers a carefully considered selection of great toys and hobby products. We consider who is going to use the toy, how it is going to be used, and how well it will perform. We make sure we understand the features and benefits of each toy; we play with them ourselves so we can help you make the perfect purchase. Compare that to a generic product description online or a clerk pointing you to aisle 13.
Better Value Over Cheap Price
Fundemonium delivers great value. The true cost of a toy goes far beyond the initial price. Once you have made your selection we support you with advice on how to get the most fun from it and how to make it last. If you have questions we can answer them. It you break it, we can fix it and even teach you how to fix it too. If there is a manufacture’s defect we can get it taken care of. Compare that to searching Google for answers or waiting on hold for a faceless technical support operator.
Relationships Matter
Fundemonium values relationships. When you are at Fundemonium you are greeted and treated like a friend. We take the time to learn about you and your hobby goals. We do our best to enhance the enjoyment you experience from your hobby. If you are looking for something special we will try to find it. If you are thinking through a project we will help you figure it out. Serving you is the reason we are there. Compare that to an impersonal log-in or being treated as an interruption by disinterested staff.
Building and Supporting Community
Fundemonium builds community. Fundemonium is a community space where people gather to share fun activities and build creative skills. Every day of the week you will find people gathering at Fundemonium to play games, families coming to play or race radio-controlled cars, and groups celebrating birthdays and special events. Fundemonium also attends many community events and supports many community groups with donations and fundraisers. Compare that to the last time an online store contributed to your child’s sports league or brought an activity to your elementary school festival.
What do You Value?
The closing of Toys R Us is not much of a loss; there are many sources for cheap toys and hobbies. If you value something more than cheap then before you click online or enter any store ask yourself:
- Does this store really care about me?
- Does this store offer real value?
- Does this store support my community and my interests?
At Fundemonium the answer to all of these questions is a resounding YES!