After a devastating fire could have ended it all, US retailer Gwen Ottenberg, owner of Imagine That Toys in Kansas, shares the story of a grand reopening and her return to the ‘business of fun’
Earlier this summer, Gwen Ottenberg was confronted with the devastating news that a fire had destroyed every toy at her beloved independent store, Imagine That Toys in Kansas.
But with support from across the US toy industry, she reopened this autumn and is “doing what I love most: creating a space where children’s imaginations thrive and families feel at home”.
“I will say that some manufacturers, sales reps, and fellow retailers were amazing”
“I will say that some manufacturers, sales reps, and fellow retailers were amazing,” Gwen told us. “People reached out to come and help clean, price product, and merchandise the store. I had companies replace product at no charge, wipe invoices out completely, and send product for giveaways for our grand reopening.
“And they sent product to sell to help me get back on my feet, offered credits for their company, sent food and food gift cards, offered extended terms on new orders, and even pre-tariff pricing. I got so many texts, messages, emails, phone calls, and notes from people thinking about us. It’s very humbling to know how much people care about me and the store.”
Read the full uplifting story in our November issue, press the X below to read:
