Tis' the Season to Shop Local: The Village Toy Shop
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: November 29, 2011
It's been in the New Hartford Shopping Center for 15 years, and the community for 25.
And Co-Owner of The Village Top Shop, Jane Willis plans to keep it that way.
"We have customers coming now that are second generation that have been shopping at The Village Toy Shop, and they're shopping for their grandchildren," said Willis.
As owner of the local shop for four years, having her employees familiar with the toys and personalizing with customers is a top priority.
"We employ 15 people in the community so all the money that's spend here locally stays local," she said.
So to break it down, here is exactly how local shopping works; If you were to spend $20 on a puzzle, that is now $20 that you now know will go back into the community.
"When you shop at large big box stores, that money goes out of the community, so every dollar that's spent in this community helps jobs," said Willis.
Along with keeping money close to home, holding certain values plays a key role in her business.
"We're not just trying to make a buck. We're trying to meet a need that child might have and we want them to be fun as well," said Willis.
But, the most important value Jane holds is trust.
"They trust us, and I think that trust is very important. We're lifelong residences of this area," she said.
And Co-Owner of The Village Top Shop, Jane Willis plans to keep it that way.
"We have customers coming now that are second generation that have been shopping at The Village Toy Shop, and they're shopping for their grandchildren," said Willis.
As owner of the local shop for four years, having her employees familiar with the toys and personalizing with customers is a top priority.
"We employ 15 people in the community so all the money that's spend here locally stays local," she said.
So to break it down, here is exactly how local shopping works; If you were to spend $20 on a puzzle, that is now $20 that you now know will go back into the community.
"When you shop at large big box stores, that money goes out of the community, so every dollar that's spent in this community helps jobs," said Willis.
Along with keeping money close to home, holding certain values plays a key role in her business.
"We're not just trying to make a buck. We're trying to meet a need that child might have and we want them to be fun as well," said Willis.
But, the most important value Jane holds is trust.
"They trust us, and I think that trust is very important. We're lifelong residences of this area," she said.
