Small Business Spotlight: Toys N Tuck
We spoke with Emma Dadswell at Toys N Tuck, a family-run business that was established in Essex in 1992. Toys N Tuck has traded in all parts of the county, covering Rayleigh, Billericay, Maldon, and Southend.
Today, Toys N Tuck has one large shop in Southend, Essex and this year they are celebrating their 30th anniversary.
How did you get started with Toys N Tuck?
Toys N Tuck is my family business that was started by my Dad in 1992. I have always been involved and it has always been a part of my life! I started working there as a Saturday girl and also worked during the school holidays. After doing an apprenticeship elsewhere when I was 18, I then started full-time at Toys N Tuck.
What’s different about Toys N Tuck?
I like to think we are what you think of when you hear the phrase “a good toy shop”. When people shop with us, they find items that are new and surprising.
What’s your proudest Toys N Tuck moment?
That’s a hard one. Probably when my Dad told me that I’m doing a better job at everything than he did!
What was the biggest challenge Toys N Tuck faced? How did you overcome it?
Probably closing throughout COVID. It was challenging not knowing how long it was going to last and having to plan on the spot. We already had a website and sold on Amazon and eBay, so online sales were there from the get-go but it never replaces what you lose in store.
We tried most things to get sales throughout lockdowns, such as providing free local same-day deliveries, a Facebook live sale, and activity bundles (so parents could just buy without having to look through all our items).
We had to work so much harder to make less money, but it was noticed and appreciated by our local customers. Most importantly, we are still standing today.
What product categories do you stock and what are your bestsellers?
We stock everything! Our top three constants are Lego, Funko & Pokemon and we are also doing really well with fidgets and slimes still, especially NeeDoh.
What are your favourite toys and why?
My favourite toys that we currently have are probably Squishmallows – I just can’t resist a soft toy.
What’s next for Toys N Tuck?
To have an awesome summer celebrating our 30th anniversary with plenty of activities and giveaways! We have no plans beyond that other than being the best us we can be!
Shop at Toys N Tuck
via Southend Echo
You can shop at Toys N Tuck's online store or can visit them at 1 Queens Road, Southend, Essex, SS11LT.