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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Meghan Powderly Director of Communications and Marketing Learning Express (978) 889-1087 Learning Express Celebrating 20 Years in Toyland Leading Franchisor of Specialty Toys Going Strong in its Twenties Devens, MA (Grassroots Newswire) December 4, 2007 -- Learning Express has a lot to celebrate this year; besides passing the milestone of two decades in business, their average store sales are tracking over $1 million and they opened 25 brand new locations, bringing their store count up to 134 nationwide, all independently owned and operated. In 1987, Sharon DiMinico opened the first Learning Express store to benefit her children's nursery school. Shortly thereafter she read an article on franchising and liked the idea of expanding the brand through stores run and cared for by committed owners. The idea behind Learning Express has always been that learning should be fun, playthings should encourage creativity and intellectual growth, and the store should provide a fun and friendly shopping environment. "Learning Express is a place where adults and children alike can be guided to toys that do more than entertain, they help children learn, have fun and create memories" says DiMinico. "Many large retailers tend to focus on mainstream, TV advertised toys that may be in one season and out the next. At Learning Express our toy selection is unique. You won't find our toys at the bottom of the toy box!" Learning Express, winner of the 2006 Top Franchise Award by Franchise Business Review, has plans to continue its growth in 2008. They are on track already to open at least 30 new stores. "Our new store designs are beautiful; hardwood floors, colorful wall treatments, innovative lighting and a great merchandising plan" states DiMinico. "We've expanded our training program to six weeks - 2 in the classroom and 4 on-site followed by ongoing support from the corporate office and regional managers. We have a dynamic Intranet site where our owners can validate product sell-through or look for marketing and event ideas. And our annual convention and vendor expo is a 'must attend' event that generates over $14 million in orders for our vendors. In addition, it helps our owners plan their inventory purchases to support the holiday catalog which collectively we distribute to over 3 million customers. All of these things, but especially our store owners, help to cement our footprint in the marketplace as the leading franchisor of specialty toy stores." Stores celebrating grand openings in 2007 include: Westchase, FL; Cypress, TX; Bedford, NY; Atlanta-Buckhead, GA; San Destin, FL; Jacksonville, FL; Irmo, SC; Woodstock, GA; Coral Springs, FL; Evans, GA; Cahaba Heights, AL; Verona, NJ; East Cobb, GA; Mechanicsburg, PA; Bee Cave, TX; Maumee, OH; Lawrenceville, GA; Athens, GA; Clifton Park, NY; Baldwin Place, NY; San Dimas, CA; Mansfield, MA; Reno, NV; Fremont, NE and Dublin, OH. States slated for expansion in 2008 include but are not limited to: Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Texas, Maryland, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina and California. About Learning Express Learning Express is the leading franchisor of specialty toy stores, with more than 130 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 ExpressCodes, an exclusive program that offers a simple solution to finding appropriate toys that best fit the developmental needs of children. To discover more about Learning Express, to find a store near you, or to learn about franchise opportunities, please visit www.learningexpress.com or call (888) 825-3619.
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