In this week’s episode of the “Power Kid Podcast,” host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design welcomes Lauren Derse, CEO of Learning Express Toys & Gifts to the show.
Derse leads the largest franchised toy store chain in the U.S. and has vast experience with store ownership and oversight. Learning Express is known for its expert staff, localized selection, and incredible customer service — including gift wrapping, personalization, and the famed birthday boxes.
In this episode, Derse delves into the origin of Learning Express and her mother’s vision of an educational and fun place for kids and families. She then shares with Albritton what her years of experience as Director of Marketing taught her about the Learning Express customers. From there, the conversation moves toward the importance of a neighborhood toy store, what Learning Express looks for in a new franchisee, and what trends to look for in the future of brick-and-mortar retail this year.
The “Power Kid Podcast” is presented by The Toy Book Podcasts by Adventure Media & Events. The long-running series presents in-depth interviews and conversations with some of the biggest names and rising stars in the toy, game, and family entertainment industries. The Toy Book Podcasts are available through your favorite streaming services, including Anchor, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more. They’re also now available on Amazon Podcasts.
Adventure Media & Events (AM&E) is the publisher of The Toy Book, The Toy Insider, and The Pop Insider. Composed of an editorial team with more than 125 years of combined experience in the toy and entertainment industries, AM&E publications provide consumers, press, and trade audiences with the latest news and updates on all things play and pop culture.