For our shop local spread, I was interested in finding a local business that featured creative stuff for kids in Tahoe City. My search led me to visit Geared for Games, a toy store located at the Boatworks mall. For more than a decade, Carol and Brad Hester, the proprietors, have focused on offering a mix for locals and visitors, with toys for all ages, including adults. Carol gladly agreed to answer the following questions.
Moonshine Ink: How long have you had your store?
Carol Hester: Twelve years.
M.I: Have you always been in this same location? How do you like it here?
C.H: Yes, the Boatworks Mall and Tahoe City is a great place to be.
M.I: As years go by, what are the differences, and changes you have seen in our community that are reflected in your shop?
C.H: Our demographics have changed; many families have left the area, although recently I’ve seen an increase in young families with new babies who live here permanently. Our lakeside communities are also affected by the growth in Squaw Valley, Northstar and Truckee. Geared for Games has always catered to a mix of locals and visitors, with a variety of toys for all ages. Adults too!
M.I: In this new era of technology, do you still sell games that entertain the whole family?
C.H: Most definitely, I try to stay away from the DVD games and electronics. Our goal is to have kids play creatively with their toys. It is important and a lot of fun for families and friends on vacation, or at home, to gather over a board game or puzzle and interact together, rather than having the TV or computer entertain them.
M.I: I see you have toys that are made of wood and non-toxic materials; do most of your customers choose this kind of toy?
C.H: Not the majority, but more people are now aware of green toys or those not made in China. We try to provide options to our customers.
M.I: Do you sell any toys that come from China?
C.H: Yes, we still sell plenty of toys from China. That is where the majority of toys are made. Most companies importing from China have increased their safety standards.
M.I: What is the percentage of local customers and what the percentage of tourist customers?
C.H: I’d say we have a healthy mix of tourists and local customers. We couldn’t survive in Tahoe without either group. Of course our staff loves chatting with our local customers. Plus, we have many tourists or second home customers that make a visit to Geared for Games part of their regular stops in Tahoe.
M.I: How did your business do during summer 2008?
C.H: Business last summer was okay. Many customers are watching their pennies a little closer, lately. I’m careful when buying and stocking higher-priced items right now.
M.I: Does your business do well during the fall and spring months?
C.H: Of course summer is our bread and butter. Fall has gotten better in years past, but it’s slow this year with less people traveling due to the overall economy.
M.I: What are your expectations for next winter season 2008/2009 businesses wise?
C.H: I hope everyone is praying for snow! Lots of snow makes a huge difference in winter business for Tahoe. I think business will be a bit slower due to the economy.
M.I: What is the toy you sell the most these days?
C.H: The most popular toy… that is a tough one. There is really no single toy that stands out as the top seller, although Fancy Mancy and Bakugan are hot right now. Last year it was Rubik’s cubes.
M.I: Is there anything else you would like to add?
C.H: Yes, we are having a holiday shopping soiree at the Boatworks mall on Saturday December 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. with live music, free wine and appetizers, and discount holiday shopping.
On Friday December 12, the North Tahoe Middle School Jazz band will be playing at 4:30 p.m. with festivities following at Jake’s on the Lake.
Santa Claus will be at the Boatworks Mall on Saturday December 20, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Stop by and visit the community-giving tree to help our local families in need during the holidays.
~ Geared for Games at 760 North Lake Bvd., the Boatworks mall in Tahoe City. 581-4236.
