It's Official: The Ark is San Francisco's BEST TOY STORE of 2014!

We've done it again, and we could've of done it without YOUR support, San Francisco!  The Ark Toys has been named "Best Toy Store" of 2014 by San Francisco Bay Guardian readers in their renowned Best of The Bay issue.  This is a very special honor as this marks the end of The San Francisco Bay Guardian and their influential reader's poll issue, Best of The Bay. 

This isn't just an accolade for our store, but a symbol of continued support for local, independently-owned Bay Area toy stores.  We look forward to providing San Francisco residents with our signature unique selections, timeless wooden toys, birthday party gift-wrapping, and more fun store events come 2015.

In the mean time, learn more about our upcoming Halloween event where you can find free giveaways hidden throughout our stores, our annual costume contest, and delicious candy to get your trick or treating adventure started!

How To Buy Toys With Confidence and Make Informed Choices

I've been thinking about writing this post for a while now, and today's the day!  Ever since I started building The Ark's Youtube channel, I've been struck with all types of inspiration on how to keep shoppers informed about what's out there in toy land. 

While it's true that you can find nearly everything online, including in-depth toy reviews, that doesn't mean the content you're reading is credible and aimed at helping you make those informed toy purchases.  Yes, there are a lot of fake reviews out there.  In fact, last year Yelp and a slew of other companies (about 18 others) were dinged for publishing fake product reviews.  Not only does this harm the credibility of consumer review sites, but it leaves honest online shoppers with an uneasy feeling about the information they're reading.

 

However Google has been trying to do their part to gradually rid the web of spammy pages aimed at misleading web surfers, which opens the door for legitimate toy connoisseurs, passionate toy bloggers, and reviewers for their credible content to be seen. 

Luckily for us Arkians, we're oozing with toy suggestions, honest info, and the type of enthusiasm customers appreciate and need.  One of our goals online is to deliver that same customer service experience to parents and shoppers from across the globe.  We know not everyone can have that small toy store experience as more and more independent toy stores disappear, but social media gives us a chance to create our unique atmosphere right online for everyone to enjoy.

As mentioned earlier, one of the inspirations for writing this post came from the new Youtube channel I've been working on for the store.  In addition to making playlists linking to some of The Ark's favorite toymaker videos, I've also been creating and uploading the store's very own toy demo videos.  Youtube videos may have to be one of the best ways to make an informed decision about a toy, as there's nothing quite like seeing it in action to cement a decision.

Another great asset for confident toy buying is understanding the labels on the back of the box.  Just like food items, toys also have their own unique set of "nutritional facts."  When customers inquire about the quality of a product, I often talk about a company's attention to manufacture oversight (if it's being produced overseas) and I always point out that big CE logo.

 

So what does this "CE" logo actually stand for?  When a toy has this special marking, it means it has passed all European standards for toy design, manufacture and safety.  A toy can absolutely be made oversees in China and still qualify for this "quality seal of approval" if the manufacture oversight is exemplary and conforms to European toy standards.  In fact, a toy can't be sold in Europe without this "CE" qualification, making Europe's standards a definite authority concerning safety, material quality and toy design.  

The next time you stroll into a toy store looking for top quality gifts, remember to check out helpful YouTube channels and look out for special labeling that assures safety and quality.

Showing The Art of Customer Appreciation. Ark Style!

It's been an extra special month here at The Ark!  School's out, the weather's been fabulous, and we've dedicated the entire month of July to our lovely customers.  So we're running this nifty month-long offer that gives new customers a gift card when they sign up for our frequent buyer program and spend over $35.  It's been really great to see new faces welcome brand new customers to The Ark family!

Okay giving away Ark gift cards is pretty awesome, but we're all about having fun here at The Ark.  Yes, we're a bunch of grown up kids here, so we just had throw some weekend events to entertain the kiddos while Mom and Dad shop around. 

Thanks to our store manager Anna, who also moonlights as the world's best cook, we've been able to supply our guests with complimentary homemade baked goods and beverages too.  As well as providing activities like paper flower making, hula-hooping, sidewalk and window art, foam popper bullseye games, and juggling.  Every weekend has been a completely different theme which has been really fun for us and our customers.

So what's in store for this weekend's customers appreciation festivities?  After tackling outdoor and crafts, we're going to harness the power of your mind with brain teasers, window mazes, giant dot-to-dot games for tots, fortune teller games, and of course, super delicious free food.  Oh yeah!  We're also throwing in a 40% off sidewalk sale too for those last-minute birthday gifts.

If you're in the San Francisco Bay Area, take advantage of our July offerings before it's too late.  We're looking forward to playing with you this Summer!