SHOPPING Discount toy stores offer lots for savvy

Low prices and last-minute shopping draw customers.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Many parents flock to large retail chains and stores specializing in toys starting the day after Thanksgiving each year in search of the perfect, or most popular, toy to set under the tree for their little ones.
Many shoppers, however, are fulfilling their holiday shopping list at stores known more for savings than popular toys. They say for 11th-hour gifts or just low prices, discount stores come in handy.
A representative of the Family Toy Warehouse in Hermitage said the store's going-out-of-business sale has brought in bargain-hunters in masses. The store closes its doors for the last time at 6 p.m. today.
Careful shopper
Annette Mascarella of Youngstown made her way slowly up and down the aisles of the toy section in Big Lots store on Midlothian Boulevard two days before Christmas. She is careful in selecting toys suitable for her 2-year-old son, but says virtually every item under her tree came from the discount store.
Mascarella points to a disassembled bike at the bottom of the shopping cart she is pushing and says prices at Big Lots and other discount stores such as Dollar General cannot be beat. The price tag on the bike is $20.
"The prices here are much, much better and the quality is the same as anywhere else when you are buying for a 2-year-old little boy," she said. "When you go to the other stores, you're just paying for the name."
Mascarella is not alone. Store representatives say toys here fly off the shelves just as at any toy store. The difference, they say, is that shoppers here want a bargain, not the hottest selling toy of the season.
A variety
Joe Alford, assistant manager at Dollar General on South Avenue in Boardman, said he is seeing customers leave the store with a variety of toys. He concedes that the store does not stock the most sought-after toys or popular video games, but, he said, most shoppers here are buying for younger kids who take a liking to other playthings.
"We are doing exceptionally well selling a lot of puzzles, toy cars, baby dolls and stuffed animals," he said. "You can spend $45 on one video game in a lot of places. You spend $45 in here and you're leaving with a whole buggy full of stuff."
The store stocks a variety of things from remote control cars and action figures to baby dolls and tea sets. Most items are priced at less than $10.
Drawn by price
Alice Salter, toy truck in hand, said she comes into the store often in search of toys for the younger people on her gift list. The primary draw is the price, she said.
Poland resident Jackie Bowser said she buys the bulk of her gifts at larger retail stores, but comes into the discount stores in search of "stocking stuffers"-- children's books, bubble-making solution and the like.
jgoodwin@vindy.com