Loyalty discount: Treasures Toys shop in Wetherby is a hit with kids and grown-ups alike

It took a night out with a friend to give Karen Westmorland the confidence to follow her dream – and now she is the owner of Treasures Toys in Wetherby.

Treasures Toys is an independent shop on the High Street which rings with children’s laughter, and is sprinkled with nostalgia for mums, dads and grandparents.

And it was the show Dirty Dancing which was the catalyst.

After years of working in the retail supply industry, and quietly dreaming of doing something for herself, Karen had an unexpected jolt of confidence that finally pushed her to make the leap.

Karen says: “I love going to the theatre. I went to see Dirty Dancing and I felt really empowered.”

With the spark ignited, some weeks later Karen turned her eyes to a toy shop in Wetherby that had recently come back on the market.

She says of Treasures Toys: “It’s somewhere I used to shop for my kids.

People keep joining the 2% Loyalty Scheme

“It’s in a brilliant spot – right on the roundabout as you come into town, close to the river and car parks, and full of footfall at weekends and school holidays”

By May 2024, Karen was the proud new owner of the shop and loving every minute of it.

“I’m loving the fact I’ve just got so many loyal customers that come back.

“We have a 2% loyalty scheme; and what’s lovely is that we keep adding new people to it all the time. They’re new into the shop and it shows that people come back again.”

In the days when we imagine children to be tied to laptops and gaming joysticks, it’s refreshing to know that traditional toys and an independent toy shop still has its vibrant place in children’s hearts and minds.

Karen’s website reflects the range of toys in the store; with a mix of modern, cutting edge, and nostalgia.

What’s the toy vibe for summer?

Says Karen: “Water squirters are just so popular at the minute, but there’s a whole range of things to suit for all year round. And anything squishy! Tik Tok trending toys like Needoh Nice Cube and Taba squishies are coming in for the summer, they are a big Youtube trend.

“The 3D printed range has been huge; but we have so many things such as Disney princesses, Barbie dolls,Pokémon, Tonies, Djeco and Monster Jam.

“There’s often new launches but there’s a lot of old school stuff. Like Barney, the purple dinosaur, Dora the explorer, and Sesame Street, which has revamped.

“I have ranges which are educational as well as play, like Slillmatics. It's really fun kind of stuff.

“I like to get in a few retro things like marbles and magnets, because the grandparents go ‘ooooh’ and it takes them back – and keeps them busy too while the kids are looking around.”

Treasures Toys has a play table where the little ones (or perhaps the grandparents) can play while mums and dads look around; and there’s even a train around the top of the room which causes a stir (probably for the dads too) when its switched on.

Relaunch party

Don’t miss the Treasures Toys part on July 19 from 9.30am to 5pm at the shop.

Raffle – in aid of Martin House Childrens Hospice – top prize is a Toniebox and other prizes include Tonie characters, Schleich figurines, gravitrax and lots more

Free lucky dip

Entertainers

Increase loyalty discount to 5% on the day.

Drop by and enjoy the fun

How to visit the Treasures Toys shop

Says Karen: “There's a lot of nostalgia being here, with people coming in who shopped in the shop like 14 years ago.

“There’s something lovely about becoming an independent shop and it’s made me actually support more local causes.

“Shopping independent is all about community. I love talking to people. Sometimes people just seem to want to come in for a chat, which is absolutely fine by me. It’s just lovely.”

If you want to buy toys, play on the kiddies’ table, or ask for the toy train to be switched on, then visit Treasures Toys at 8, High Street, Wetherby. Email [email protected], phone 01937 589187 or visit the Toy Treasures website for playtime inspiration.