Learning Express Toys — Local services in Brookfield

My daughter loves this store which is very unfortunate. I've been a regular to this store for years and just recently I've had an issue with an employee, an older woman named Mary. Sometimes I get lucky and it's a more human employee working and all my anxiety dissipates, but if Mary is working it is almost guaranteed to be a poor experience for myself and my daughter. She has no love or respect for children and even less for customers. Even though the store is set up in a way to accommodate children who want to try new toys and the like, Mary would rather you sulk around the store mute as an astral being not of this realm as not to disturb her. I've had more negative experiences with old Mary than I'm comfortable with, but two left me beyond bitter --

I was playing with my daughter and had purchased two toys for her, a plush turtle and octopus. After about five "can I help you or your daughter find anything?" within half an hour, Mary suggested we leave the store as we were being too loud for the customers browsing. I looked around and it was just my daughter and I in the store, probably because no one wants to be there when Mary is on the job. I politely complied and left with my daughter.

I was there again very recently and my daughter had taken interest in a dinosaur toy which I planned on purchasing. Mary not only talked down to my three year old little girl, but was telling her what she can and cannot play with, even attempting to take it away from her. I understand there's display only items, etc. Mary takes everything to another level, often unnecessarily. Mary should speak with the parent, not take it upon herself to discipline customer's children. I stated I was purchasing said item Mary was upset about my daughter playing with, as it is "from Germany" and "very expensive". The dinosaur was $25, hardly anything to make a scene about -- but it wouldn't be a stop at the Learning Express Toys if I didn't have Mary to make it a personal hell. Anyway, I purchased the dinosaur and left immediately.

In conclusion, I hate this store because of Mary and it is so unfortunate my little girl loves it, because they do amazing things here like story time, crafts etc. Everyone else is professional and very nice to the children, but Mary is the exception. If you want your child to keep their smile for the day, I highly suggest avoiding this store or at the very least scanning to see if Mary is still employed...

I'd like to indicate I haven't personally been here. I've just heard enough to form my own opinion based on the information provided.

As a potiential customer, I wont ever shop here personally. For starters, I live 1.5 hours away. I have no license or means of transportation from Madison to Milwaukee. However, I was excited today to here about phone orders and felt this would be the way so I was waiting until I had my lunch break to call.

As I waited for my fellow local squish collectors to stand in line, I heard everything from the store allowing everyone in at the same time. For starters, WE ARE IN A PANDEMIC. People were pushing & shoving. There was no control of the situation and led to many squish hunters scared for their own safety.

There should've been someone at the door, someone at the cash register and someone stocking. But instead, I heard the store manager locked a bunch of people out and others continued to shop. Which was rumored to be due to theft but honestly, the store has a history of favoritism including the store manager giving her number to her "favorites"

If you don't have enough staff to protect your customers, you shouldn't be selling hard to find squishmallows that day or you should've organized this to be online orders only.

I will never, ever, ever shop here.

But if you want anything other than squish, just know who you're giving...

Watch out for this specific stores shady business practice. I knew someone who purchased the Real FX Disney Stitch Puppet in store for $79.99. I stopped in yesterday 8/19/24 to get one for a gift and they marked them up to $99.99. I asked why they got marked up as their own website has them listed for $79.99, and I was told the owner seen them listed for more on another website. So those who don’t shop prices like I do is getting ripped off and the owner is ok doing that. I asked if they would honor the price it shows online and they did that, but wouldn’t accept my $7 off coupon I had because they were already “discounting” it for me. That toy store is one of the few stores left at Brookfield square, and by intentionally marking up items $20 more than their own website states I can’t foresee them being around much longer either. Buyer beware. Don't get screwed over by the owner who’s clearly being selfish.

First 2 photos are of the item with the $79.99 in the store. 2nd photo is the online price. And 3rd is what they...