Lauren Derse | Source: Learning Express/The Toy Book

Learning Express Toys & Gifts is in the midst of a leadership transition, but it’s keeping the business in the family.

Learning Express founder Sharon DiMinico marked the 35th anniversary of the company — the leading franchisor of specialty toy stores in the U.S. — by passing the torch to her daughter, Lauren Derse, who takes on the role of CEO.

“Lauren brings with her a Harvard Business School degree but more importantly, she has had in-store exposure for over six years and multi-store ownership for four years,” DiMinico says. “Nothing replaces first-hand experience. You cannot lead a company like ours without knowing the ins and outs of our core business. Lauren will be an outstanding leader, and she has my full trust and confidence.”

News of the leadership change was made public during Learning Express’ annual convention and vendor expo.

Source: Learning Express Toys & Gifts

Related: Next-Gen Toy Stores: A New Era of Specialty Retailers Lead Play into the Future

“To say that she is an inspiration is an understatement,” Derse says, commenting on her mother’s legacy. “Her hard work, passion, and vision guided me through school, career, and life. She created something that impacted so many lives. The Learning Express franchise gives families the ability to own their own businesses with the support of a home office team. The communities that are home to Learning Express benefit from the availability of high-quality toys, best-in-class customer service, and a hub of play for parents and children.”

While Derse steps into the CEO role, DiMinico will continue to stay on with the company as owner and chair.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.

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