CONGRATULATIONS TO US!

Wider Than the Sky has become a member of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, otherwise known as ASTRA!  This is a wonderful union, as ASTRA and WTTS share the same philosophy: Providing children with healthy, reliable, quality toys that promote creativity and imagination, providing excellent customer service, and showing commitment to our customers. We are very excited!

ASTRA was founded in 1992, currently has over 1400 members, and is the largest association serving the specialty toy industry. They are promoters of buying locally. They understand and value the importance of the independent retailer in today's economy. They also provide us, as a retailer, continuing education, ranging from legislative updates to the latest trends and best toys for kids, as well as networking, so that we can continue to be "in the know" and provide YOU, our devoted and loyal customers, with the best service and product for your child, to educate you on safety and learning.

At WTTS, we have a sign hanging from our ceiling that states, "All our toys are powered by imagination," and our inventory does indeed include these types of toys. ASTRA is a promoter of such toys. Below is their specialty toy fact sheet that can be found at their website.

Specialty toys, in general, are different from mass market toys in several ways:

• Specialty toys are available at locally owned neighborhood toy stores rather than big box chain stores.
• Specialty toys tend to focus on the features of the play rather than the features of the toy. They are likely to have less electronic gadgetry and more play value.
• Generally, specialty toys are not based on licensed characters from television or movies, children playing with them have a greater opportunity to use their imagination and make up "the story" themselves.
• Specialty toys are sold at independent toy stores that specialize in customer service and have staff members who are highly knowledgeable about toys and play.
• Specialty toys tend to be of higher quality than mass market toys and last longer—often through all the children in a family and then into storage for the next generation—than mass market toys.
• Typically, specialty toys are not heavily advertised on television and promoted to children as "must haves."

The majority of our toys do fall into these categories. Specifically, in terms of advertising, how often do you see Schleich animals advertised, or Tolo products? Rainbow Loom was all the craze, but I didn't happen to see any commercials for it.  The same is true for Science Wiz and other science kits, brain teasers and any other game that is Mensa approved, and good old fashioned jigsaw puzzles that promote hand-eye coordination, shape and color association, and problem-solving abilities.

ASTRA does not only provide services to its members, but also resources for you. Their website has multiple informative articles on all areas of play, tips for parents, tips on choosing toys, and toys important for different stages of development. At WTTS we do try to pass some of this same information on to you.

We look forward to sharing our continued learning with you! Have a wonderful spring!