Toys R Us filed for bankruptcy protection. Ironic since, if done right, operating a profitable toy store is child’s play wrote Abha Bhattarai:

• Neighbourhood toy stores are seeing steady growth even as the big players are floundering.
• Smaller stores offer a more intimate experience and have toys strewn about that kids can try and play with.
• They hold community events and competitions which can make a visit to the toy store a playground like social experience.
• Since kids aren’t always old enough to use computers shopping from places like Amazon doesn’t appeal to them.
• Niche toy stores train their staff better. Some are amateur child psychologists – parents will tell them that their child hates to lose, and the attendant may recommend co-operative games.
• Smaller industry players can, paradoxically, have a wider selection. Some toymakers refuse to sell to industry giants, and exclusively sell to boutique stores.

Read more on The Washington Post.