Despite intense competition from big box retailers and
online shopping, small independent toy stores continue to thrive. According to
this story by Lorraine Mirabella in The Sun, “more than three-quarters of
independent business owners said they believed consumers are more aware of the
value of locally owned businesses.”
The best independent toy store for my money is Mumbles and Squeaks on Main Street
in Ellicott City . The twenty year old toy store has established a regional reputation for having unique and hard to find
toys.
“The shop, which is spread out over four rooms on two floors
on Ellicott City's Main Street, competes by focusing on quality, customer
service and "trying to stay cutting-edge,…"
It's a strategy that works. I've been shopping there for years.
