Devens, MA - Learning Express Inc, the nation's leading franchisor of specialty toys, will celebrate its 20th birthday in September. Founder and CEO, Sharon DiMinico opened the first Learning Express store twenty years ago in an effort to raise revenues for a local preschool in her hometown of Groton, MA.
Drawing on her experience in retail and her own parental goals, Sharon created a store that offered high quality toys, books and games that would inspire young minds. The idea behind Learning Express was that learning should be fun, playthings should encourage creativity and intellectual growth, and the store should provide a fun and friendly environment.
In 1987, the first Learning Express opened in Acton, Massachusetts, and six months later Sharon opened the Needham, MA store. Some time between the two openings she read an article on franchising and liked the idea of expanding the brand to have stores run and cared for by committed owners. Learning Express now has 120 stores across the U.S., with 20 more slated to open this year! Stores across the country continue to support schools, civic organizations and children's charities. What started out as a fundraising venture has turned into a thriving business.
As Learning Express celebrates its 20th birthday, this neighborhood store continues to be the shopping headquarters for kids' birthdays year after year. Children with an upcoming birthday can visit their local store and fill a "birthday box" with their favorite toys. It's a tactile wish list for kids, it's also fun for their friends and family to come in and actually pick gifts from the birthday box that they know are going to be a big hit! In addition, the birthday boy or girl receives a set of gift registry cards to be included with their party invitations so friends and family know that they are registered at Learning Express.
Moms appreciate that they can come to the store 15 minutes before the party starts and quickly pick out the perfect gift and have it gift-wrapped says DiMinico. "We get lots of 'I'm on the way to the store, here's my credit card number, I'll honk when I'm out front' calls".
"The business has changed a lot in 20 years, but it continues to inspire me. I love the toy industry and the people I have met along the way. We're lucky to be in a business that can positively impact so many kids and families".
About Learning Express
Learning Express is the leading franchisor of specialty toy stores, with more than 120 locations across the country, each one locally owned and operated. Learning Express provides an extraordinary shopping experience with knowledgeable sales staff to offer expert advice on choosing the perfect toy, for every child, for any occasion. The product mix is carefully selected from manufacturers around the world and all have exceptional play value. A Birthday gift registry, free gift-wrapping, free personalization, civic fundraising, and consumer VIP programs make each Learning Express store an integral part of the community. Learning Express also offers ExpressCodesTM, an exclusive program that offers a simple solution to finding appropriate toys that best fit the developmental needs of children. www.learningexpress.com or call (800) 924-2296.
For more information, interview requests, and media inquires, please contact Meghan Powderly, Director of Communications and Marketing of Learning Express, at (978) 889-1087 or meghan@learningexpress.com .
