Today we’d like to introduce you to Deb Tandy.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After having a successful career in Michigan, we moved to The Woodlands and I stayed home to raise my children for eight years. I was a longtime customer of the previous Learning Express store in The Woodlands. When I heard that the old store was closing, I thought it would be a fun, challenging project to take on. I have a BBA in Marketing and Finance, and an MBA in International Business and Finance.
My career from 1997-2003 was at and with Ford Motor Company in Michigan, and I worked in all aspects of the business, from manufacturing to marketing to business planning. My professional background prepared me for all of the facets of owning and running my own business.
I love Learning Express because the brand represents high quality, well-made toys, and the franchise is made up of lots of amazing owner/operators. One of the best parts of owning a Learning Express Toys franchise is the storeowner community. We all share information about new products, marketing, etc. with each other. It’s great to have a close-knit network.
Learning Express isn’t a chain store, it’s a franchise that is locally owned and operated. We are very involved in the local community. Every year on our Grand Opening anniversary, we do a fundraiser for Interfaith, and donate thousands of dollars of toys to their Children’s Holiday Toy Drive. We donate at least 10% of our gross sales to local charities, schools, churches, etc. in The Woodlands every year.
Learning Express, Inc. is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. We celebrated our sixth anniversary on October 21, 2017. I feel so fortunate to have a small business that is thriving in today’s tumultuous retail climate.
Learning Express Toys distinguishes itself from other toy retailers by offering unique and convenient products and services. We believe that it’s the simple things that make the biggest impact. Our free gift-wrapping, Birthday Box registry and free personalization services make shopping for the perfect toy an easy and enjoyable experience.
Our store has been carefully designed to provide a hands-on environment where customers can experiment, play, and receive expert advice from well-trained staff members. In-store events, classes, and activities allow us to interact with our customers on a personal level, while providing first class customer service that will leave a lasting impression. We try to create a “WOW” experience for our customers through striking merchandise displays that stimulate a magical store atmosphere.
We literally have something for everyone from birth to adults. We pride ourselves on being on top of hot trends while continuing to carry traditional, high-quality toys. The store is set up in departments, including infant/toddler, preschool, transit, dolls, construction, games, books, party favors, tween, arts & crafts, and outdoors. We try to keep the “special” in specialty; we have lots of things that you won’t find anywhere else. We also have a phone accessory section, a dinosaur section, a horse section, a unicorn section and a mermaid section, to name a few.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Owning your own business is not for the faint of heart. It’s way more of a financial, emotional and time commitment than most people realize. I was fortunate to have an educational and work background that gave me a lot of what it takes to run a small business, but almost every day there is something new that I need to figure out. As the owner of a toy store, I literally do everything from ordering toys, opening boxes and stocking shelves, paying invoices, finding new vendors and exciting new trends to taking out the garbage and cleaning mud off of the floor on Saturday mornings after the children come from their soccer games. I’ve had to work without air conditioning on a 110-degree day and run the store without internet service and cash registers.
I think the biggest struggle for my business right now is staying current and relevant in today’s ever-changing retail environment. So many retailers are declining or closing, and it’s up to me to figure out ways to keep the store exciting and fresh, and keep our customers coming back. We offer free gift wrap and personalization, along with gift registry. We have a strong social media presence, and are very active in our local community and schools. We use a lot of text marketing to make it easy for our customers to see what’s happening at the store. We do in-store events and fundraisers. We offer online ordering with in-store pickup, phone orders, curbside pickup and more. It’s up to us to anticipate our customer’s needs and continue to surprise and delight.
I love marketing. It’s fun to figure out what motivates people. I think this is my strongest skill. I also love interacting with customers. Building relationships with customers, vendors and other store owners are the foundation of our business. I’m always looking for ways to improve what we do and how we do it.
I love the fun environment, and all of the people I get to interact with every day. I work hard, but it’s extremely rewarding. Lots of customers have become personal friends. I love that I’m in charge of my own destiny. I dictate the company culture, and I get to make all of the business decisions with autonomy. I work hard, but it’s extremely rewarding. I’m really lucky to be doing something I love, giving back to the local community, and actually making a living doing it.
Learning Express Toys of The Woodlands – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I think I covered this in the first section, but please let me know if you’d like more details!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My personal definition of success is pretty simple: to be able to do something you love, and to be able to make a living doing it.
Contact Info:
- Address: 8000 Research Forest Dr. Suite 140
The Woodlands, TX 77382 - Website: https://www.facebook.com/LETheWoodlands/
- Phone: 281.298.0444
- Email: le385woodlands@yahoo.com
- Instagram: letoyswoodlands
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LETheWoodlands/
- Twitter: @LE_TheWoodlands
- Yelp: https://www.facebook.com/LETheWoodlands/
Image Credit:
Kara Powell Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
