To our valued Specialty Toys Network members,

Do you tweet? Facebook? Blog? Use video? Social media marketing is winning fans among retailers small and large. Why? It's personal, it's highly visible in online search results, and it allows you to quickly, easily communicate with customers, community members and more. Take a few minutes now to see what Specialty Toys Network offers you through our social media presence:

Join us on Twitter to track toy trends and toy talk online.

Fan us on Facebook and get to know us better. Contribute your comments, questions and toy thoughts to our "wall."

Read our blog to get more in-depth marketing tips, toy store best practices and rapid notice of new additions to the product database.

Tune into YouTube's "stntraining" channel for visual tutorials on how to manage your Specialty Toys Network website (hint: this is a handy way to train new employees to make minor updates for you).

Would you like to learn more about creating a social media presence and participating as a business owner? Send your questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and she'll begin building a Q&A information sheet to demystify it.

Lunch & Learn — and PLAY!

A Pre-ASTRA Marketplace gathering for Specialty Toys Network members

Join us for the most fun lunch & learn you've ever had—complete with arcade games!

Who: current Specialty Toys Network members

What: a fun-filled networking and informational meeting complete with buffet lunch and a $10 game card for playing in the Million Dollar Midway of Dave & Buster's. Learn tips & tricks for using the marketing tools in Specialty Toys Network website, tour the new features, and receive training on how to increase your website traffic in 15 minutes a day.

Where: Dave & Buster's - located in the Providence Place Mall, Midway Party Room, 4th Floor
(Easy walking distance from The Westin Hotel & Rhode Island Convention Center) (driving directions)

When: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, Saturday, June 12
Pre-ASTRA

Cost:  FREE

Be sure to pencil this into your travel plans! Space is limited; registration is required. Look for your invitation soon, or register right now.

The Power of Giving: Using Your Company to Promote the Common Good

Written by David Schreiber, Uncle Skunkle Toys

Disasters, like ones that took place in Haiti, are a reminder of our own fragility and that of the world around us. They also remind us how easily we can extend help to those in need. And using your company for a philanthropic endeavor is rewarding in many different ways. Here's an example of how one toy manufacturer is making a difference and how you can do the same. [Read more...]

Look what's growing this Spring: our master database! The following new and updated product data is ready for you to upload to your store.

New: Fun Q Games Greenlight Toys Innovative Kids Kettler NICI North American Bear Prince Lionheart TooBeez Uncle Skunkle Updated: Elf on the Shelf Fortamajig International Playthings Learning Curve LEGO Manhattan Toys Plan Ravensburger

Click here to see the latest list of manufacturers.

Keep up the great job asking manufacturers if they're Specialty Toys Network official partners. Your diligence pays off!

Congratulations to the following members for recent recognition!

• Talbot's Toyland hailed as "Best Toy Store in Bay Area." [Read more...]

• Uncle Skunkle Named a "Top Pick" by TDMonthly magazine editors [Read more...]

• Congratulations to Kazoodles Toys (Vancouver, WA) on the opening of its second store last month and for winning The Columbian's "Best in Clark County" for toy and craft stores. [Read more...]

(Have press coverage, awards or other accolades to share? We love to celebrate our members' successes. Toot your own horn and tell us about it for next month's Toy Talk. Deadline: May 5th, 2010.)