According to Co-owner Jay Demircift, excellence in merchandise and customer care work together to create a successful environment at Puzzle Zoo toy stores. “Combining all that is what makes us unique and separates us from most stores,” he told TDmonthly Magazine. Puzzle Zoo’s five locations — four in California and one in Texas — feature a mix of mass-market and specialty items so that customers aren’t left wanting. Here’s a list of the top-10 toys they’ve been snatching up when they come for a visit:
Rubik's Icon by WINNING MOVES GAMES
This sleeker version of the original Rubik’s cube plays like the original, but features cubes in black, silver and white. — “Right now, all kinds of Rubik’s Cubes are great,” Co-owner Jay Demircift of Puzzle Zoo said in early 2008 of this best-seller in his stores.
This cute little duck comes with a code that allows its owner to access Webkinz World online. — Over 26 percent of 45 retailers surveyed by TDmonthly in early 2008 named Webkinz as their hottest selling item. — “Webkinz by Ganz — they still sell out every shipment,” Melodie Ingwersen, owner of Creativity for Kids in Columbia, S.C., told TDmonthly in early 2008. — “[They] have been really hot for the last couple of years,” she added.
This set comes with four boards that feature real skateboard parts including skate company graphics, grip tape and metal trucks. It also includes a tool and riser pads. — “Tech Deck has been coming up again,” Co-owner Jay Demircift of Puzzle Zoo told TDmonthly in early 2008 of this best seller in his stores.
Air Hogs® Havoc Heli Laser Battle by SPIN MASTER TOYS
This set lets two players face off against one another using two miniature helicopters that can be maneuvered into position and fire infrared beams. The battle set includes authentic battling sounds to further immerse players in the activity. — “Spin Master Havoc helicopter has been great,” Puzzle Zoo Co-owner Jay Demircift told TDmonthly in early 2008 of this best-seller in his stores.
Super Mario Brothers Real Sound Blocks by STRAPYA NEXT CO. LTD.
These blocks put the sounds of the Mario Brothers video game at your fingertips, with each figure (roughly 3” tall) having one “signature” sound: Fire Mario shoots a fireball, Mario powers up, and Luigi gets an extra life. Press down on their heads and hear the power. Miss Tanaka of Strapya World finds them “...quite cute. I have Mario on my desk. He is very funny. I think they sell great. And a good price.” — Super Mario Brothers figures rank as a best-selling item at Puzzle Zoo toy stores, Co-owner Jay Demircift told TDmonthly in early 2008.
The 81-piece Imperial Dropship comes complete with three stormtroopers and features laser cannons and a detachable platform. It is 4” long. — “We really do well with Star Wars Legos,” said Jay Demircift, co-owner of five Puzzle Zoo stores, about this best-selling line in early 2008.
Hannah Montana Summertime Fashion Doll by PLAY ALONG INC.
This doll from the Summertime Collection shows Hannah Montana ready to hit the beach with her friends. It comes with two fun stickers and other cool accessories. — Hannah Montana products are best sellers at Puzzle Zoo stores, Co-owner Jay Demircift told TDmonthly in early 2008.
Writer's Bio: Brenda Ruggiero is a freelance writer from western Maryland. Read more articles by this author
