The Toy Tree Inc. — Local services in Plano

Last week I'd called to place a hold on an item, because the storm was coming in and the frozen rain was making the drive unsafe. I explained that I am disabled and cannot drive, and my parent as a teacher sometimes stays late for the sake of her students, so I likely wouldn't be around until Friday or Saturday. When I got there, around noon on Saturday like I'd explained would be likely, the item had been sold out from under my hold without any form of notification or contact to see if I was still coming in after my doors had been frozen shut- there were no more in stock. And there is no more in the entire DFW metroplex, because I've checked every stockist in town.

That being said, the store is clean. The lighting isn't super bright but still clearly visible which is a compliment because I like many on the spectrum struggle with the brightness of most stores. Some items were priced reasonably to their market value, but I paid almost an extra third of the price for a stuffed animal versus the company's own price which was a bit offputting. The store is catered mostly to smaller children by the looks of their variety, and as of late has SIGNIFICANTLY less plush of any brand or variety than the most recent photos on google lead to believe. I'm happy they've had a boom and sold out of things, because small businesses should support one another's wins, but I am also disappointed that types of product are scarce and restocks haven't happened to keep their ratio of goods.

I will be back, please don't mistake my poor experience as outright off-putting, but I now know better than to call ahead and put a hold on an item unless I can also figure out how to walk to the store within a day to go get it. I'll safe calling ahead for other stores, and safe the toy tree for a more spontaneous trip so that I'm not feeling disappointed next time :)

Also, for customers or their children who may have mobility assistance needs, the store is crammed and you won't be able to get a wheelchair, walker, scooter, or likely even crutches safely through an unfortunate majority of the store. Please keep that in mind when planning your...

Today, Debbie Sanders, the store owner, approached my nanny and toddlers huffing and puffing about how another child dismantled the toy train set my son had just walked up to. She said, "People forget this is not a playground—this is a place of business. I will have [employee name] reassemble this. Or a two-year-old can do it."

The message to my nanny was clear: You are not welcome here. I called Debbie to find out what happened as my suspicion was that this had to have been a misunderstanding. I was astonished as she not only verified but DOUBLED DOWN on her stance, making it clear she does not welcome children playing in the store. She was perplexed that I disagreed. I explained that their visits lead directly to my purchases when I come in on the weekends, and I prefer supporting her store over Amazon. She ended up telling me that I was welcome to continue shopping at Amazon and should take my children to Play Street Museum instead.

I am disheartened because until today, the Toy Tree was a beloved stop for my family after Little Gym classes and I frequently pop in after my weekend workouts to purchase the toys my nanny suggested during the week. Today, Debbie made it clear she doesn't value our business or the children who visit her store.

Debbie, since you expressed appreciation for my feedback during our phone conversation today, here's a few more thoughts that came to mind after we hung up:

1.) You can put the train set away if it bothers you that children play with it.

2.) Or you could even just place a sign on the door that says, "Paying Adults Only."

3.) A simple apology today for the way you made us feel would have prevented this review, secured my family's continued business, and secured the free word-of-mouth marketing you've been getting from me since you first...

I had such a strange experience here. I have twin children and one of them had an allergic reaction earlier that day. To de-stress from that scary event, my husband I decided we would go to a toy store and get them something special. We don't get out much with the amount of care the twins take, so we were really looking forward to this. I found this store on google maps and really was eager to support a local store.

When we got there, an older woman greeted us but she looked us up and down and it felt a little weird. I wrote it off as no big deal and we carried our babies throughout the store and carefully supervised them as they pointed to various toys and we let them pick out what they wanted. We were very very attentive, holding them at all times and did not let them do much besides pointing and observing, and holding toys that they were especially excited about that we ended up purchasing. My boy picked out a cute penguin plushie and a mozart book, and our girl picked out a bath toy boat. They were really happy and it was great, the toys were so cute and quality.

When we went to the front to check out, the older lady and a younger lady whispered between themselves and said "be right back". After 10+ minutes, they never returned. It was not a busy day so I can't imagine that both of them needed to leave so quickly and for so long. We were thinking about just leaving, but rhe babies were really excited about their new toys... thankfully young man saw us waiting and helped us pay for our items. He was very kind, 5 stars for him. But I kindof felt deflated afterwards, and in hindsight, the treatment we received felt a little personal. I can't quite figure out why this happened, but we probably won't be back. The babies still love their...