Despite the Toys 'R' Us downfall, independent toy stores are thriving

The demise of Toys 'R' Us could be good news for smaller, independent toy stores. The national chain is closing or selling off nearly 800 of its remaining stores across the country.

Kidstop Specialty Toys and Books in Scottsdale has been doing well for many years now, according to the owner, Kate Tanner. However, she says she is worried about how the downfall of Toys 'R' Us could impact the smaller toy makers.

"I'm most upset for the smaller toy vendors. The big break comes with they can get a couple of toys on the shelf, it's a nice cash flow," Tanner said.

Tanner is sad about the recent news, but hopes it's a new opportunity for more local toy stores to open up in different communities.

"After the storm comes the rainbow, and I hope is that people are going to open up toy stores, people are going to think about community again," Tanner said.

And the support of the community is why Kids Stop is a hit. Tanner and her team choose and test all of the toys that are sold at her store.

"But we don't go through a booth going, 'Ok how much money will that bring us in?' We go through the booth going, 'Oh my gosh, that's a slumber party item, oh my gosh, so-and-so is going to love that, that's the perfect gift.' We look for two-part play," Tanner said.

And yes, the kids and parents are able to test the toys themselves when they stop by.

"We like to consider ourself kind of like disrupters of play. Ok? Online is great, and it gives families a lot more time to go out and have fun, but fun is what you can come and have here," Tanner said.