Learning Express Toys & Gifts

About Learning Express Toys & Gifts

Founded in 1987, Learning Express is the largest franchiser of specialty toy stores in the United States. We currently have over 120 locations nationwide, each independently owned and operated. With Learning Express you’re in business “for yourself, not by yourself.”​ Our local stores are dedicated to providing quality toys, expert staff, exceptional customer service, and community support through fundraising—the keystones of the Learning Express brand.

The Learning Express product mix is carefully selected from manufacturers around the world that produce toys with exceptional play value. Among these distinguished affiliates are Alex, American Girl, Blue Orange, Calico Critters, Cloud B, Creativity for Kids, Gund, Hot Wheels, International Playthings, Klutz, Learning Resources, LEGO, Mattel, Melissa & Doug, Playmobil, Schylling, Scientific Explorer, Skip Hop, Small World Toys, Sticky Mosaics, ThinkFun, Three Cheers for Girls, Toysmith, Ty, and Workman Publishing.

Why Learning Express?

In franchising, it’s all about support and community. Learn below how we support our store owners, work together, and maintain the nation’s best curated mix of specialty toy and gift products.

SUPPORT – New Learning Express franchisees typically have no retail management or business ownership experience, but our comprehensive Training & Support Program helps you open your Learning Express franchise efficiently and effectively. The Program starts well before you attend Home Office Training and months before we spend the three to four weeks in your store training you and your team.

LOCATION – Location is critical. Our in-house real estate team will advise you in selecting the right location and negotiating the best business terms for your lease.

GRAND OPENING MARKETING – Get the word out! Our marketing department analyzes past performance to advise you in the most effective advertising channels and will help design and implement your marketing plan across print, digital and community-based media.

ON-SITE GRAND OPENING SUPPORT – After you complete your classroom training, we support you through your opening for three weeks, making sure that your inventory has been received and merchandised, and ensuring that you and your staff are comfortable with the day-to-day fundamentals of running your business.

– Ongoing Support – Your Grand Opening is an exhilarating experience, but there is more to do to grow your business, and we are with you all the way. We offer ongoing training and support that’s designed to help take your business to the next level. Additional first-year classroom training, webinars, phone calls, and visits from in-field support experts will give you the knowledge and confidence to grow your business.

– Marketing – An exciting marketing program is key to retail sales growth. Our in-house graphics department not only designs all of the materials for your Grand Opening, they produce ads, banners, email graphics, postcards, and catalogs that are available on our Intranet. On request, they also provide customized materials for your local needs. Social media is very important in today’s retail environment, so we train you to provide effective, engaging content for your customers.

– Buying & Inventory Management – The perfect product mix is important at Grand Opening to wow customers but it also needs to remain fresh, unique, and up to date to keep them coming back. Our buyers work full-time sourcing new product, negotiating vendor terms, and monitoring market trends to make sure the right products with the best terms in the industry are included in our buying program.