Good Morning!

Here we are, at the half way mark of the Kids Zone at the Erin Fair - one of the largest events we participate in. It's quite a change from this time last year!

A huge thanks to everyone who has come out to support our events this year, large and small. We really kicked it off with our March Break drop in activities, followed by Easter, and then took things up a notch with the Fergus Medieval Faire Kids Zone and RCMP Musical Ride this summer. It has been a blast!

The one thing that has struck me is the question on so many people's lips when they speak to me this weekend... 'so, does it feel back to normal?' Yes, and decidedly also no. The mechanics are very much the same as the 'before times', the people are back and having fun, and so are we. Of course, on our side it's plus two little Baileys! However, we have all gone through the past couple of years and none of us are truly the same. That's ok. We are learning how to have fun all over again. Keep at it... we sure are!

See you soon!

- Chris

As printed in the Grand River Booster

People always ask us if we have fun owning a toy store. No, we don’t have fun — we have a blast! We at Brighten Up Toys & Games pride ourselves in keeping up with the latest products — we are always learning and trying out new toys and games. This helps us give our customers good and honest recommendations. You may not realize that behind-the-scenes, we are always testing out new products as a team at our staff meetings so we can offer our customers the very best selection.

Did you know that much of our product selection and buying happens months in advance? Many of our manufacturers even look to us for input to help guide their decisions on production and marketing.

We frequently attend trade shows and conferences to learn about products and help guide product selection. In fact, we just attended a two-day conference on new games and trading cards/collectibles this past weekend. These conferences are so much fun and they really help guide our business forward.

My favourite thing is selecting new games! However, it can get a bit confusing because often the games on my mind and under review are a few months away, so I also have to keep myself present with the games coming out right now and in stock that our customers will be interested in purchasing. It’s an interesting balance!

Our team enjoys selecting their own top picks and we always ask for their feedback on products, sometimes even those that are under consideration. Here are their top picks:

King of the Dice Boardgame — Players must collect cards by rolling and re-rolling dice. Place castles, gemstones and dragon fi res on the game boards. The player with the most points wins. This fun game is for ages 8 and up, for 2 to 4 players.

Mythfits — Looking for a family strategy game? Whoever says Bigfoot isn’t real hasn’t played Mythfits. Build a path to collect your creatures and even take photos of your opponents’ creatures to win. For ages 8 and up, 2 to 4 players.

Walkie Talkie — Win together, or don’t win at all. In this cooperative game, players have a limited time to get rid of all their cards. If they manage to do so, then they beat the game and record their score. Ages 8 and up, for 2 to 8 players.

We hope to see you soon at our store. Check out our two locations, 735 Tower St. S. in Fergus and 67 Main St. in Erin.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Also, visit brightneuptoysandgames.ca

Our friends from Makin' Faces are BACK!

Tania and the crew are ready to wow you with their incredible free-hand face painting. If you can imagine it, they can (almost certainly) paint it!

Off-the-face painting is still a great option, too! Many kids - and adults - prefer a fun arm or leg 'tattoo'. 

Visit Brighten Up in July & August for FREE FACE PAINTING
by Makin’ Faces
Thursdays in Erin
& Fridays in Fergus
3pm to 6pm

It’s our way of saying THANK YOU! for supporting your Local Toy Store!

https://www.instagram.com/makinfacesinc/

https://www.facebook.com/makinfacesfacepainting

Our fun and educational toy and game store is looking for a Retail Sales Associate who enjoys working with the public and is interested in an engaging customer service position. Our family owned and operated stores have a long track record in the community, and many of our customers are repeats who return for their next favourite toy, game, puzzle, or book. The Retail Sales Associate will assist customers by providing product recommendations, answering questions, and alerting customers to product options. The ideal candidate for this position has experience working in retail and a strong dedication to providing exceptional service for customers. This opportunity may also be suitable for a determined individual willing to learn and looking to enter the workforce and/or to develop these skills.

Compensation will be based on the candidate’s experience and skill set. All part-time/full-time mature positions are guaranteed above minimum wage after the probationary period. Benefits package for the employee and their spouse/family are provided with most positions of 20 hours or more per week.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Greet customers as they enter the store and help them to locate appropriate product options
• Develop solutions for customers by listening to their needs and recommending the appropriate products
• Build rapport through conversation and honest recommendations
• Utilize the company’s POS system to cash customers out
• Assist in maintaining the stock room and maintaining merchandise displays on the sales floor
• Collaborate with team members to keep the sales floor area clean and organized at all times
• Consistently expand and develop knowledge in a diverse range of product lines
• Consistently expand and develop knowledge and expertise related to childhood development, preferences and trends

Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma/GED required (full time/day staff only)
• Emergency Level First Aid with CPR Level C (arrangements can be made early during employment)
• 2+ years’ customer service experience is an asset, or willing to learn and develop these skills
• Able to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Able to self-manage and work independently
• Light lifting, climbing short ladders and general cleaning duties are required
• Willing to work a flexible schedule of days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Open and friendly personality
• Capable of interpreting customers’ words and showing them products that meet their needs
• Basic math and money skills
• Willingness to become a subject matter expert

To Apply
Please submit resume, inclusive of cover letter noting position of interest, to:

• In person at our store location: 735 Tower Street South, Fergus, ON
• By email to ask@brightenuptoysandgames.ca

Compensation will be based on the candidate’s experience and skill set. All part-time/full-time mature positions are guaranteed above minimum wage after the probationary period. Benefits package for the employee and their spouse/family are provided with most positions of 20 hours or more per week.

Thank you for supporting our business! You can continue sharing your small business love by taking a moment to say thank you to your favourite Canadian small businesses with the #SmallBusinessEveryDay Big Thank You Contest. We hope we are one of your favourites!

You could win $1000 plus a Big Thank You Box filled with small business products from each province and territory. Enter the weekly draws at SmallBusinessEveryDay.ca

The contest runs for four weeks, from June 27 to July 24.

#SmallBusinessEveryDay

P.S. don't forget your Google reviews are a HUGE help for spreading the word about small businesses like ours! 

Erin store: https://g.page/r/CULhPeZjp74vEAg/review
Fergus store: https://g.page/r/CQXCJ0mo3thEEAg/review

Exciting news!

Erin alum Jake Middlebrook (a.k.a. #536 with Fordge Motorsports) will be visiting the Brighten Up Erin location! His latest car is painted up Sesame Street style, and he can't wait to share it with Erin kids (and big kids, too!). You will be able to have pictures with the car and Jake.

Saturday June 4th

EVEN MORE FUN! Our friends at AAA Events will also be joining in with Cookie Monster, Big Bird and Elmo. 11am-3pm. 

You don't want to miss this!

P.S. we hear Jake will be at the Caledon Derby on June 11th. 

Check out Fordge Motor Sports for more details:
YouTube link
Instagram Link

We look forward to seeing you this week at the Fergus Home & Leisure Show!

May 4, 5 & 6 from 5:30pm-9:30pm

Be sure to stop by and say hello to Chris & Stephanie from Brighten Up Toys & Games!

For more details, visit the following link:

Home & Leisure Show | Fergus Lions Club

Our fun and educational toy and game store is looking for a Retail Sales Associate who enjoys working with the public and is interested in an engaging customer service position. Our family owned and operated stores have a long track record in the community, and many of our customers are repeats who return for their next favourite toy, game, puzzle, or book. The Retail Sales Associate will assist customers by providing product recommendations, answering questions, and alerting customers to product options. The ideal candidate for this position has experience working in retail and a strong dedication to providing exceptional service for customers. Some openings may also be suitable for those looking to enter the workforce and/or to develop these skills. Compensation will be based on the candidate’s experience and skill set. Benefits are provided with most positions.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Greet customers as they enter the store and help them to locate appropriate product options
• Develop solutions for customers by listening to their needs and recommending the appropriate products
• Build rapport through conversation and honest recommendations
• Utilize the company’s POS system to cash customers out
• Assist in maintaining the stock room and maintaining merchandise displays on the sales floor
• Collaborate with team members to keep the sales floor area clean and organized at all times
• Consistently expand and develop knowledge in a diverse range of product lines
• Consistently expand and develop knowledge and expertise related to childhood development, preferences and trends

Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma/GED required (full time/day staff only)
• Emergency Level First Aid with CPR Level C (attained prior to start of employment)
• 2+ years’ customer service experience is an asset
• Able to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Able to self-manage and work independently
• Willing to work a flexible schedule of days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Open and friendly personality
• Capable of interpreting customers’ words and showing them products that meet their needs
• Basic math and money skills
• Willingness to become a subject matter expert

To Apply
Please submit resume, inclusive of cover letter noting position of interest, to:

• In person at our store location: 735 Tower Street South, Fergus, ON
• By email to ask@brightenuptoysandgames.ca

Compensation will be based on candidate’s experience and skill set. Benefits are provided with most positions.