Yes, you've been in her store one thousand times, right? She smiles and says hello every time you walk through the doors of her home away from home. Suzy wants you to know her a little better, and some things may surprise you!
Meet Lisa Hesch, owner of Little Towne Toys, a place that inspires imagination...one toy at a time!

Suzy: What town do you live in?
Lisa:   My family (Husband Leon, sons: Logan & Leighton) and I live in Littleton, we have lived here for 10 years.

Suzy: So, did you just wake up one day and decide to open a Toy Store?
Lisa:  I have consulted for many start up businesses and creating business is a passion of mine. My former business while I lived in Virginia was a gymnastics school. I love working with children and hold a teaching certificate in Elementary Education. Creating Little Towne Toys combined all these interests. I was particularly intrigued by the challenge to create a unique type of toy store.
 
Suzy: When did this unique toy store open?
Lisa:   Our doors officially opened in March 2008...seems like yesterday!


Suzy: What is YOUR favorite toy?
Lisa:   I love the classics, wood blocks, puzzles, and anything open ended that encourages imagination and creativity. I am especially fond of any type of game. I feel playing games with children is an excellent bonding experience and the games I have at the store have been selected for entertainment value, durability, and most of these games include an educational component.

Suzy: What helps you to manage both the business and your family?
Lisa:   Simple...2 things: A supportive family, and incredible staff.

Suzy: What was the best advice you received when opening the store?
Lisa:   The first and best piece of business advice I received before I opened my first business was to get a notebook and write down all my ideas. My advice to myself is to ask everyday "How can I make this better?"



Suzy: What makes Little Towne Toys what it is?
Lisa:   I believe my store differentiates itself in many ways. My store is well laid out, with wide aisles to accommodate strollers. Product types are clearly labeled so shopping is made easier and more efficient. My employees are knowledgeable, helpful, and pleasant.  I offer a large section of toys for under $5. I spend hundreds of hours pouring over catalogs in order to choose the highest quality products for the best price. My degree in Elementary Education has provided me with the knowledge to choose educational toys that are age appropriate and have true value. I think the most notable quality that differentiates my store from others is that it is interactive. I do have the standard train table but there is also a light block table, truck table, circle cycle and an arts and crafts table which are always set up.


Little Towne Toys offers in store activities too. These are posted on the store website: www.Littletownetoys.com. We also offer a generous Frequent Shopper Program. Our program is unique in that every time you spend $20 or more you are either earning or redeeming store credits rather than waiting to fill up a card. Joining is a simple as registering your email address. Every month we do a monthly drawing, just sign up during your next visit to the store and you are eligible to win our prize of the month. The October drawing is for a Lego product (see store for details).


5 Questions just about Lisa!

1. Favorite Local Shop: I have to say I love the Yankee Clipper Barber Shop in Littleton. I have my hair cut there as the same time my two boys have their hair cut and it saves me a great deal of time and money.
   
2. Last Book Read: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
   
3. Favorite Reality TV Show: I like to watch movies. One of my favorites is "Mama Mia". The music is so upbeat
   
4. What Fun Fact Should we Know about Lisa: Many people are surprised to learn I am a Desert Storm veteran who served in Iraq during the gulf war. I drove 5 ton trucks.
   
5. Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Ben and Jerry's Coconut Chocolate Almond.
   

Logan (8), Lisa & Leighton (7)

So much more to know about Little Towne Toys:
There are some NEW surprises for the children to play with coming soon.
Little Towne Toys also offers a FREE Toy Lending Library. Toys from the library may be borrowed for up to two weeks at a time. It's great for trying before buying and many of my customers use this service for multi-age play dates.
The store is  a very relaxed and friendly environment- it is all about community, and chances are you will see someone you know while you are there.  Lisa encourages parents to schedule and host free play-dates at the store. She also loves to have entertainers who perform at the store as her way of showing appreciation to all of her customers. Events including jugglers, extreme pogo stick jumpers, and a hula hoop professional. Just last month Little Towne Toys had a magician perform for over 60 people (adults & kids!) and it was great fun!

Little Towne Toys also offers:
Birthday/Gift registry
FREE Gift Wrapping


Little Towne Toys
435 King Street
Littleton, MA 01460
978-486-3020

Store Hours:
Monday & Tuesday: 9-5
Wednesday 9-6
Thursday 9-7
Friday 9-6
Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-3

Suzy Scoop: Mention you read about Little Towne Toys on SuzySaid and receive 20% off one regularly priced item (Offer Valid until November 18th)