Worried about shortages on the shelves, the supply chain and shipping delays this holiday shopping season? Toy store owner Jenny Robertson has a message for you.
"I am fully stocked right now because I anticipated this shortage," said Robertson, owner of Big Fun Toys in Point Pleasant Beach and Hoboken and Quinnderella's Toys in Manasquan.
Shopping for the perfect gift is enough to stress anyone out. Now news about backed-up ports, tangled supply chains, turtle-slow shipping and delays and skinny shelves can turn anyone into a worry wart.
What's Gong There talked to local businesses to get their advice. Who needs Amazon and big e-commerce sites? Shop early. Shop local. And give new experiences a try.
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"Local operators such as ourselves are really on top of bringing products into our stores at the local level," said Howard Henschel, chief executive officer of Norman’s Hallmark. “It’s a very disruptive situation but we’re working through it.”
Here’s what they had to say.
Asbury Book Cooperative, Asbury Park
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Description: Member-run book store
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On point: “We already have in stock just an incredible selection of well-curated books and merchandise,” said Liza Minno, general manager. “You’ll get a sense of the personality of Asbury Park and the personality of our members when you walk in.”
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Bonus: Free local delivery, gift wrapping and in-store pick-up, local author section.
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Big Fun Toys and Quinnderella’s Toys
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Description: Toys stores in Point Pleasant Beach and Manasquan
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On point: "My employees have worked for me for many years and really know the toys," said Jenny Robertson, owner. "If a customer needs help choosing the perfect gift for a grandchild or child, they are very knowledgeable."
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Bonus: Free local delivery, gift wrapping, shopping via Facetime.
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Gift: Pop It! fidget toys and Bruder Trucks.
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Oasis VRX, Holmdel
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Description: Virtual reality center at Bell Works
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On point: "You can give someone the gift of an experience," said Todd Schobel, oasisVRX’s co-founder. "Would you like to drive a 750-horsepower Maserati GT going 220 miles an hour around a nice track. ... Would you like to go under the ocean in a shark cage and tangle with a 300-pound great white shark?"
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Bonus: Supply chain? What's a supply chain?
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Gift: Gift cards for up to $100.