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Book by December 15th and receive a $50 Fleming's Card For
every $500 you spend, plus a $25 Card for each guest.
All Work, All Play from page 26
the other family businesses. She and
Aric go to at least one toy show a year
looking for the newest, coolest offerings.
"My vision is to create a place where
children, parents, grandparents, edu-
cators and therapists can all use and
enjoy our products': Nori says.
When asked what it's like to work so
closely with her sons (her other son,
Jonathan, 20, is handling e-commerce
and Internet sales), she says,"We teach
each other new things every day"
The Klars take pride in being part of
the community and offering a unique
level of customer service.
"A neighborhood toy store like ours
is needed': Aric says. "When your kids
come in, we know their names. You
can't find that in too many places any-
more; that's what I want to bring back."
Shop Local
Toyology is also part of a movement
called the 3/50 project, an effort to
save the nation's "brick and mortars':
or independent businesses. Shoppers
are encouraged to visit three of their
favorite locally owned independent
businesses and spend $50 there each
month. If half the employed population
in our country did that, the movement's
founders say it would generate $42.6
billion in revenue. Their motto: "Pick 3.
Spend 50. Save your local economy"
"My ultimate goal is not only in the
toy businesses;' Aric says. "It's keeping
brick and mortars alive. There's a ton of
e-commerce killing businesses daily."
Part of Aric's plan to achieve that is to
open more Toyology stores. He hopes to
start doing that as soon as possible, but
so far, no specific locations or opening
dates have been announced. As a young,
Jewish professional, one of the most
sought-after demographics in many cit-
ies today, he's also committed to helping
rebuild Detroit and Metro Detroit.
"I never want to have to leave he says.
"This is home and I want to keep it that
way"
Other future plans include working
more closely with schools, hospitals and
groups like Friendship Circle, a West
Bloomfield-based nonprofit organiza-
tion that provides programs and sup-
port services to families of people with
special needs. There's also an online
component to the business. Toyology
and Warren Prescriptions both sell toys
online. Klar says that ties in beautifully
with his efforts to encourage people to
shop close to home.
"You can still shop local and shop
online," he says. "Save the brick and
mortar industry." I 1
For more information or to shop online, go
to www.toyologywb.com .
Five "Toys that Teach"
The owners of Toyology recom-
mend the following gift ideas for
children because they help devel-
op speech, creativity and motor
skills as well as critical thinking
and problem solving.
Additionally, enjoy a $20 Bonus Card for every
$100 in Fleming's Gift Cards you purchase.
28
Birmingham
Livonia
323 North Old Woodward Avenue
248723-0134
17400 Haggerty Road
734-542-WINE (9463)
December 8 . 2011
•Wobble Deck Electronic Balance
Challenge: An indoor/outdoor elec-
tronic balance board with three
different games and multiple skill
levels. Helps children build coordi-
nation, improve reflexes and think
fast. Ages 5+ ($49.99)
•Learn to Dress Kitty: A 20-inch
plush cat that features 11 dress-
ing activities to help children
develop fine motor skills. Includes
real socks, lace-up sneakers and
removable dress and T-shirt. Ages
18+months ($29.99)
•Snap Circuits Jr.: Plastic mod-
ules that are color-coded to
correspond with a step-by-step
manual. Children can build 100
projects including an AM radio,
flashlight, doorbell and more. Ages
8+ ($39.99)
•Solitare Chess: Players choose
a challenge card and set up the
chess pieces as indicated. Teaches
the basic rules of how to play
chess; 60 challenge levels from
beginner to expert.
Ages 8+ ($19.99)
•Fold & Go Barn: A fully assembled
two-story wooden structure with
seven realistic farm animals, a
wooden ladder and a folding cor-
ral. Chunky handles make it easy to
carry. Ages 3+ ($49.99)