'You Name It, We Have It': Tulsa Toy Shop Competing With Convenience Of Online Shopping

Data from the federal government showed people cut back on some purchases this year because of inflation, and those purchases include toys.

The owner of Learning Express Toys in Tulsa said even though the store had a slower start to holiday sales, it's doing what it can to stay afloat.

Charlie Darrow found ways to get shoppers through her door to check gifts off their Christmas lists. "Slime, Legos, games, puzzles, I mean you name it we have it," she said.

She said this year has looked a little different than years past.

"We're just seeing a little less traffic than we're used to this time of year," Darrow said.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many folks didn't spend as much on gifts this season because of inflation. So, Darrow kicked off the month of December with a sale.

"You know extra sales, coupons, catalogs, and things like that," she said.

Even with the sales, she said it's still hard to battle the convenience of online shopping.

"Everyone is so busy, and it is so convenient to be able to just do it from home and have it right to your door," Darrow said.

But some Tulsans said there's something different about picking the toys out for yourself.

"You know, getting online you have no idea how to touch anything, or feel anything, or how it's going to work, how it's going to look, how it's going to feel," shopper Tim Harris said.

Tim Harris shopped for his five kids for the holiday season. He also owns a business in Jenks and said it's important to help out his community. "I want to support local businesses too," he said.

Darrow hopes to see more people in her store and is grateful for those who chose to shop small this season.

"The people that love to shop local which we love that," she said.