Devens, Massachusetts, July 16, 2012 — At this year’s Learning Express Convention, the toy franchise awarded a selection of vendors with awards for excellence. The awards included those for Best Partner, Best Product Innovation, Toy of the Year, and the Vendor of the Year.

“We are lucky enough to work closely with some of the very best toy vendors in the world,” said Learning Express CEO Sharon DiMinico. “They not only provide outstanding toys to our customers, but also work closely with our buyers and owners to provide special discounts, establish one-of-a-kind marketing programs, and develop exclusive products for Learning Express—all of which help set us apart from big box retailers.”

The Learning Express Annual Convention was held June 26 – 29 at the Red Rock Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, NV. Learning Express corporate staff, the owners of more than 140 Learning Express toy stores, and more than 100 of the world’s top toy vendors gathered to make decisions that will shape the 2012 holiday shopping season.

Best Partner Award – Awarded to the vendor that is always in-stock, has quick order turnaround time; acts quickly to handle returns, defectives and discrepancies; and provides consistent and timely communication to both storeowners and the buying group at the corporate office. This vendor has the best product training materials, including free video & demos, supplies for in-store events, innovative merchandising displays and POP signage that educates the customer resulting in increased sales.
Winner – The Orb Factory

Best Marketing Program Award– Awarded to the vendor that offers exciting promotions that dramatically increases customer traffic while maintaining store margins.
Winner – Melissa and Doug

Best Product Innovation Award– Awarded to the vendor that delivers exciting new products, outstanding packaging and POP/signage displays which encourages the customer to buy.
Winner – TY

Sales Award– Awarded based on sales volume with our stores on core products. First Place – Melissa and Doug

Best New Vendor Award – Awarded to a new vendor who understands the uniqueness of the Learning Express franchise system, is supportive of our individual storeowners, and whose product is innovative and performs well in our stores.
Winner – Improv Electronics

Vendor of the Year Award – Awarded to the vendor that provides outstanding customer service to our stores, develops new and innovative products, supports our marketing efforts, provides excellent store support programs, and participates as a full partner with Learning Express.
Winner – Melissa & Doug

Learning Express Vendor Product Award Winners

Best Arts and Crafts –All Duct Out Kit by Alex
Book – Unlikely Friendships Book by Workman Publishing
Action, Skill & Sports – Cyber Fire Football by Play Visions
Game – Perplexus Epic by Plasmart
Infant/Toddler – Y Bike Pewi by National Sporting Goods
Construction – Lego Minifigures by Lego
Party Favor –Laser Fingers by Toysmith
Plush – Beanie Ballz by TY
Preschool – Dino Constructables by International Playthings
Science – Boogie Board by Improv Electronics
Fashion/Tween – Emi Jay 5 pack Hair Ties
Girls 5+ - Feather Fashions Kit by Faber-Castell
Boys 5+ - Wall Tracker Starter Set by Mattel
Toy of the Year – Boogie Board by Improv Electronics

About Learning Express

Learning Express is the nation’s leading franchisor of educational toy stores with more than 140 locations across the country, each one locally owned and operated. Learning Express provides an extraordinary shopping experience with knowledgeable sales staff who can offer expert advice on choosing the perfect toy, for every child, for every occasion. The Learning Express product mix is carefully selected from manufacturers around the world and each toy has exceptional play value. A birthday gift registry, free gift wrapping, free personalization, civic fundraising, and customer VIP programs make each Learning Express store an integral part of its community. 

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Source: Learning Express Inc.
Title: Learning Express Franchise Names 2010 Vendor of the Year
Date Published: July 16, 2012
Date Accessed: August 5, 2013