For immediate release
Contact: Frank Guglielmi, 734-844-2781, frank.guglielmi@meijer.com
Nov. 15, 2012
Meijer Announces Winners in Small Business Toy Contest
Two small U.S. toy companies win exclusive distribution on Meijer.com for 2012 holiday season
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Meijer has announced the winners of the Meijer Next Great Toymaker contest. Wagon of Blocks by Circa Toys in Franklin, N.C. was named the winning toy for the 1-3 years age group and Stack & Stick Cozy Cabin by Peters’ Group in Goshen, Ind. for the 4-8 years age group. The toys will be available exclusively on Meijer.com this holiday season.
“Meijer is excited to announce these exclusive additions to our huge online selection of nearly 8,000 toys,” said Liwanag Ojala, vice president of e-commerce for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer. “We believe the U.S. heritage of these toys along with their classic style and quality craftsmanship will be a winning combination for our Meijer.com shoppers this holiday season.”
The contest, the first of its kind hosted by Meijer, was open to small toy companies and entrepreneurs in the United States with 50 employees or less. The winners were determined by a panel of Meijer judges and scored on uniqueness, educational relevance, creativity and quality. Winning toys will be available on Meijer.com for at least six months, beginning Nov. 15. As always, Meijer.com shoppers will enjoy the free shipping to local Meijer stores through the order to store feature.
Toy Details
· Wagon of Blocks is an all-wood heirloom quality toy wagon with 40 building blocks and pieces that inspire creative stacking and building on a pull-along cart. The classic design was inspired by a toy Circa Toys’ founder, Gary Murphy, received as a birthday gift in 1942. Wagon of Blocks will retail for $69.99.
· Stack & Stick Cozy Cabin is a 41-piece starter building set with that includes all the pieces first-time builders need to create their first home with solid wood blocks including a base, roof slats, gable ends and a chimney block, along with a canvas bag for easy storage. The Stack & Stick Cozy Cabin will retail for $44.99.
“Winning the Meijer Next Great Toymaker Contest will allow us to bring a toy we’re proud of to a whole new audience,” said Andrew Peters, President of Peters’ Group. “Our toys are made by three generations of skilled woodworkers in the Peters family and we’re excited to partner with a family-owned business like Meijer.”
Circa Toys Founder Gary Murphy is also excited about winning the contest.
“Wagon of Blocks was inspired by a gift I received as a child and has been in our family for three generations,” Murphy said. “I hope our toy will bring fun and creativity to generation after generation of Meijer customers’ families the way it did for mine.”
For more information on the winning toys and the Meijer Next Great Toymaker Contest, visit www.meijer.com/toycontest.
About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
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