Major March momentum as Mastermind toys opens three new stores!

Canada's Largest Specialty Toy Retailer Continues Canadian Expansion in 2018 

TORONTO, March 16, 2018 /CNW/ - March Madness has come to Mastermind Toys!  As part of the company's 2018 growth plans, Canada's largest specialty toy and children's books retailer has announced three more stores will open in quick succession this month: St. Albert (Edmonton), AB (now open),  followed by Saskatoon South, SK and Hamilton, ON, totalling 63 Canadian locations.

"Mastermind Toys is in growth mode and we continue to expand our presence across Canada," said Jon Levy, Chief Merchant, Co-founder and CEO, Mastermind Toys. "We are targeting to open 10+ new locations this year, solidifying our position as Canada's leading specialty toy retailer."

Since 2011, Mastermind Toys has opened 53 new toy stores, expanding from its origins in the Greater Toronto Area.  By the end of 2018, the Canadian-owned and operated company expects to have over 70 stores across eight provinces: Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland, with 1,300 employees, adding over 45,000 sq. ft. to its retail footprint.

"We look forward to providing more and more Canadian families from coast to coast with convenient access to the best selection of specialty toys in a fun and friendly atmosphere," added Mr. Levy.

Mastermind Toys will invest in consumer-focused, digital initiatives this year, including plans to introduce a new Click and Collect program which gives shoppers the option to reserve online and pick up their order in-store. The company will also launch an innovative and socially conscious loyalty program that will reward and inspire its customers.  More details will be announced later this year.

Mastermind toy stores are designed to be exciting, inviting and interactive: bright, colourful environments where touching and exploring is not only allowed, but encouraged. Other signature elements of the Mastermind Toys shopping experience include knowledgeable staff; free in-store gift-wrapping; compelling promotions; and valuable social enterprise partnerships with organizations like WE.

In business over 30 years, Mastermind Toys was founded by brothers Andy and Jon Levy who wanted to offer shoppers a classic toy store experience. Both in-store and online at mastermindtoys.com, Mastermind Toys offers an expertly curated selection of more than 10,000 of the best specialty toys, games and books, including first-to-market and exclusive items at a variety of price points. The Company's buying team travel the world for inspiring, engaging and unusual merchandise: lifelike Hansa plush animals, fashion-forward Our Generation dolls, Creativity for Kids craft kits as well as top global brands like LEGO®, Hape®, Ravensburger®, 4M®, PLAYMOBIL® and Meccano.

SOCIAL:
Facebook: Facebook.com/MastermindToys
Twitter: @MastermindToys   #MastermindToys      
YouTube: YouTube.com/MastermindToys
Instagram: instagram.com/mastermindtoys

ABOUT MASTERMIND TOYS
Brothers Andy and Jon Levy started Mastermind Toys in 1984: their dream to create a classic toy-store experience. Celebrating its 34th year in operation, Mastermind Toys is Canada's largest specialty toy and children's books retailer with 63 locations in Southern, Southwestern and Eastern Ontario; in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Grande Prairie, and Lethbridge, Alberta; Langley, Coquitlam, Abbotsford, Tsawwassen and Victoria, British Columbia; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan; Saint John, Moncton and Fredericton, New Brunswick; and Dartmouth and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Both in-store and online, Mastermind is the ultimate toy-shopping destination, the perfect place to find the right toy, game or book for any occasion. Mastermind's handpicked selection includes more than 10,000 unique and educational toys, books, games, arts and crafts, puzzles and science kits. Mastermind proudly provides exceptional and knowledgeable customer service and complimentary in-store gift-wrapping. Visit www.mastermindtoys.com.

SOURCE Mastermind Toys

Beth Merrick / ZAZOU Communications, [phone], [email protected], @zazoupr