Shops / crowdfunder
Former employee raising money to purchase beloved toy shop
The former employee of a beloved toy shop is raising funds to help him buy the business from its original owners.
Josh Lewis said the legal fees to purchase Toyville on North Street were “significantly more expensive” than he had anticipated.
When they decided to move on from the shop, founders Lindsay and Joel Meyer-Nicholas were struggling to find a buyer who would both offer a fair price and continue loving the shop. Lewis hopes he could be that buyer, having worked there for five years previously.
The current owners, Lindsay and Joel, are looking to pass Toyville on to Josh – photo: Toyville
“It’s the only toy shop like that in the local area,” said Lewis. “The mix of toys and games is a really unique combination. There’s something there for everyone, whether you’re just a kid or you’re young at heart.”
He said that he’s “not looking to reinvent the wheel”, but to continue giving it the same energy as its founders.
The crowdfunder has currently crossed the £700 mark but remains a long way from its target of £10,000.
A donor commented: “Simply the best toy shop! Best of luck, and I hope Toyville continues for years to come.”
Another donor said it would be a “massive shame” for the community to lose the shop, if it were to close.
On the crowdfunder page, Lewis said: “Over the five years of working here, I have learned a lot from the way the business is run, and I am very excited to take it on.
“If you pop in at the moment, you’ll often find me either working or doing additional shadowing in preparation, making sure I’ve got my head around the accounts and the shop’s many different suppliers.”
Donations to the crowdfunder can be made here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/toyville#.
Main photo: Toyville
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