To our valued Specialty Toys Network members,

Our countdown to ASTRA Marketplace has begun. Has yours?

Get the most out of your summer tradeshow trip by using the time between now and June to plan.

1. Know your inventory needs for 4th quarter.
2. Set appointments with vendors you want to place orders with.
3. Identify other vendors you'd like to visit in person.
4. Research available networking get-togethers.
5. RSVP or register for workshops or other extra events (like our Lunch & Learn!).
6. Print extra business cards.

We'll be at booth #226, so add us to your list for a quick hello. We'll see you in Providence!

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

Space is limited; registration is required. Register now.

Is Your Website In Need of a Makeover?

Recently Cathy Gabay, owner of The Toy Parade in Salina, Kansas, added a pretty blue awning to her store. Afterward, she wanted to incorporate the new color and design to her store's signage, advertising and website.

Cathy knows that investing in visual consistency makes good business sense, because new customers meet The Toy Parade long before they walk up to her door. They'll see her newspaper ad, or Google "Toys Salina KS" and check out The Toy Parade online. With her made over website and ads, Cathy's new customers will feel right at home when they get to her store.

Do you have a new logo, location(s), interior design or color scheme? Whether we designed your website five months ago or five years ago, now could be the right time to get a new look for your site.

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it today to get a quote on a makeover (or just a touch-up) for your website.

Our partner manufacturers continue to support you and your website sales with more product information at your fingertips. Since April, we've added new products from the following brands:

BeAmazing Gamewright Kid Galaxy Fortamajig Bright Products Douglas Learningcurve/RC2 International Playthings NICI

View the complete list of partner manufacturers as of May 6, 2010.

Are your favorite products in our master database? If not, contact the manufacturers and ask them to become an Official Partner of Specialty Toys Network. Your requests get results you can use!

It's True: Extreme Makeover Home Edition is Scouting for Toy Stores

Does your toy store deserve an extreme makeover? If so, the producers of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition want to hear from you.

Ty Pennington and his crew are ready to make a dream come true for a deserving toy store owner who has amazing strength of character and who puts their own needs aside to help others. Tip off the talent scouts and nominate yourself, if you fit the criteria.

To be eligible: A family must own their own small toy store business and be able to show producers how a makeover will make a huge difference in their lives.

Interested families or those who wish to nominate another family should e-mail a short description of their family and the business they run to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Nominations/submissions must include:

1. The names and ages of each member of the household
2. Name and location of your business. Please give a brief overview of your business
3. A description of the major challenges within the home and/or business
4. Explanation of why this family is deserving, or a positive role model in their community.
5. Photos of the family, photos of the home and photos of the business. Please make sure to highlight the problematic areas on property pictures.
6. Don’t forget to include a contact phone number.

Hurry! Kristina needs to receive submissions by May 21, 2010.