Selling fun

Secret Garden Toys is a classic shopping stop

Kari Barkley is proud of the classic toys and games that Secret Garden Toys keeps in stock. —

Photo courtesy Secret Garden Toys

In April of 2011, Secret Garden Toys in Nelson will celebrate 25 years in business. What's being planned to mark this 25th anniversary? Well, that's a secret! You'll just have to check it out in the spring. Meanwhile, Kari Barkley, who manages a staff of four, kindly answered our questions about Secret Garden Toys and the toy business in general.

How long have you been involved with Secret Garden Toys?

I was an employee for more than 20 years and have been the manager for the last two years.

Can you describe a typical day at Secret Garden Toys?

There isn't really a typical day; it's kind of exciting in that respect. It's trying to keep on top of local trends and keeping in touch with the customer base. Then there's the usual paperwork, bookwork and ordering. Everyone here chips in with the ordering, so that makes it nice. We're all in touch with the customers and have a good idea of what's being requested.

How do you source your stock of toys?

We have a good group of reps that come through regularly, (plus) toy trade shows, the Internet and word of mouth from our customers—a great deal of it is done that way.

What kinds of items do you sell at Secret Garden Toys?

We carry items that aren't necessarily available in the bigger chain stores and department stores. We have a lot of European stock, for example, Playmobil, Lego and Ravensburger, a German company that makes puzzles and games. We're not dictated by trends. We don't have to go by what Disney is telling people to go with; that's available at other stores. We don't deal in (novelty items that) have a short interest span—they're fine, they have a time and a place, but are readily available elsewhere. (We prefer to carry) a classic toy that kids will go back to over and over again. Because we're smaller, we're more agile. We try to tune our ears to what kids are asking us to get and do our utmost to bring that item in.

Are there any particular "hot" toys this year?

I hear yo-yos are making a comeback! We'll keep on top of that one. It's nice to find things that get kids away from the screen—creatively, physically or as a group. Young adults are now a big market for board games. Settlers of Catan and Carcasonne (two board games that originated in Europe) are popular. A relatively new group of board games came out within the last five years. (They make for) a social kind of evening, for families or for groups of young adults. Being a smaller purchaser, and independent, we have access to that type of line.

Do you have children, and what have been their favourite toys?

I have two girls and a granddaughter. The oldest liked games, and the younger girl was into Playmobil and a lot of crafts. It's nice to be able to sell items you can stand behind as a parent. The companies (we deal with) also stand behind their product and will deal immediately with any issues.

Have you observed any changes in the toy business over the past 25 years?

No, I haven't seen any major changes. Kids are always kids. It's always fascinating to see young kids come in and see something we'd consider classic—like marionettes or kaleidoscopes—for the first time. They may not have been exposed to them.

As a manager, how would you describe your business philosophy?

It's nice when people can make time for some fun in their lives. It should be a fun experience to shop and you should walk out satisfied with your purchase and have knowledgeable staff to help you.

What do you like most about your job?

The people, the customers, getting to know people and seeing them bring in their kids—we are now seeing a second generations of customers coming in. We appreciate the local support we've had for years. It's not just our store. People here (in Nelson) support local business and we do too. The consistency, the continuity of it has been a joy.

Where do you hope to be five years from now?

Besides Hawaii? Still here!