Wonder Works, a specialty toy store in Charleston, S.C., will debut the country’s first Mattel store within a specialty store on Saturday, June 2.

Neighborhood toy stores, such as Wonder Works, are expecting that 2018 will be a strong year as new and returning customers flock to such retailers following the closing of Toys “R” Us. “We’re projecting a 20% increase in revenue between now and the end of the year,” says Christine Osborne, owner of Wonder Works.

Osborne also says that the specialty retailer has been asked to do similar set ups for two other large toy industry manufacturers.

Wonder Works ensures its customers are offered the largest selection of the market’s most in-demand toys and interactive shopping experiences, and Mattel is looking to strengthen its presence in the specialty market. The store-within-a-store concept is the result of 8 months of design and planning, with a celebration of all things Mattel planned for its debut this Saturday.

The Charleston community is invited to this free Mattel celebration to kick off the summer season with countless free activities, sweet treats, the hottest toys of the summer, and a free toy for every child. All Mattel toys will be 20 percent off during the event, including Hot Wheels, Barbie, Thomas & Friends, and Matchbox.

A Camaro will be on-site courtesy of Rick Hendrick Chevrolet in West Ashley, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hot Wheels. The Custom Camaro was the very first Hot Wheels car released by Mattel in 1968. Nearly 6 billion Hot Wheels cars have been produced since 1968, making Hot Wheels the No. 1 selling toy in the world.

Free popsicles, temporary tattoos, train decorating, bubbles, and more free activities will be available all day for event goers. Children can have their picture taken with Barbie from 10am to 12pm, and the Charleston Animal Society will be on-site with dogs and puppies available for adoption. All donations to enter the giant teddy bear raffle will benefit CAS.

About the author

Maddie Michalik

Maddie Michalik

Maddie Michalik was the Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book from 2020-2022. She was also a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider.

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