Learning Express Toys Introduces New Corporate Store and Play Center Concept in Bedford, Mass.

BEDFORD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#learningexpressplay–Learning Express Inc., the nation’s largest educational toy franchisor,
opens a flagship Learning Express Toys location—the first
corporate-owned store since 1995—in the redeveloped Bedford Marketplace
(Whole Foods plaza) in September. Adjacent to the toy store, Learning
Express, Inc. is introducing a new concept: Learning Express Play, a
children’s activity center and play museum for children ages 6 months
through age 8.

As online shopping becomes increasingly competitive, Learning Express
differentiates itself by offering interactive experiences that can’t be
replicated online. The new Learning Express Play, born from this
strategy, will host classes, birthday parties and open play.

Learning Express Play includes a 1,000-square-foot children’s gymnasium
with a rock-climbing wall, an infant play area and Downtown Play, which
features play areas inspired by New England townscapes and
nationally-recognized children’s museums.

A Snack Café features coffee and natural, healthy food from Bedford’s
Prince Street Café & Bakery.

Along with Learning Express Toys, the business occupies 7,500 square
feet.

As with its other 120 toy store locations nationwide, Learning Express
Toys of Bedford sets itself apart from the “big-box” stores with unique
toys, gifts, and exclusive products for newborns through tweens.
Learning Express Toys also provides in-store activities, visits from the
most popular costumed characters, toy and game demonstrations, free gift
wrapping, complimentary personalization of a variety of items, and a
“Birthday Box” gift registry.

Learning Express, Inc. is headquartered in Devens. Its founder, Sharon
DiMinico of Groton, opened the first Learning Express store in Acton in
1987. Learning Express Play is the brainchild of her daughter, Lauren
Derse, and son-in-law, Mike Derse, of Harvard, who have two young boys.

The Grand Opening is scheduled for Sept. 23, 2016.

About Learning Express Toys
Learning Express Toys is the
nation’s leading franchisor of educational toy stores with more than 120
locations across the country, each one locally owned and operated.
Providing an extraordinary shopping experience, Learning Express Toys is
known for its knowledgeable sales staff that offers expert advice on
choosing the perfect toy, for every child, for every occasion. The
Learning Express Toys product mix is carefully selected from
manufacturers around the world, each toy hand-picked for its exceptional
play value.

Contacts

Learning Express Inc.
Media Contact:
Becki Harrington-Davis,
978-889-1083
becki@learningexpress.com