P-G: Mt. Lebanon toy store on the ball with latest craze: kendama

Cup and ball was a popular game played in early America and in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. These days a Japanese form of the game called kendama is drawing young players away from video games, computers and television with its challenging hand and eye coordination routines.

Made up of a wooden handle (ken) and ball (tama) connected by a string, the kendama allows players to juggle the ball into one of three cups on the handle, spear the ball with a spike at the end of the grip or balance the ball next to the spike with creative maneuvers.

Read the full article:

• www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-south/mt-lebanon-toy-store-on-the-ball-with-latest-craze-kendama-635299 (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

New Toy Store May Fill Void For Shoppers

Willem Gokemeijer, of Mt. Lebanon, celebrated turning 8 last month by inviting friends for a birthday party, which, like most kids' parties, included cake and games. But his parents, Pamela and Nils, noticed something unusual: Willem had no wrapped gifts to tear open; all of his presents were gift cards.

One of the reasons Willem received so many gift cards may be the dearth of toy stores in the South Hills. Recent years have seen the closing of a Toys R Us in Bethel Park, which is now Babies R Us, and, more recently, the closing of a specialty toy store, Gram and Gramps, in Upper St. Clair.

Amy and David Bahm, of Mt. Lebanon, are banking on the demand for a retail toy store here with the opening of Learning Express in the Galleria in Mt. Lebanon. The store is one of 130 independently owned Learning Express stores across the country. Learning Express also has a franchise in Cranberry.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08178/892571-55.stm

Coming Soon: Learning Express Toy Store

Mt. Lebanon resident and MLHS graduate David Bahm and his wife Amy will be opening a Learning Express Toy Store in the Galleria mall in June of this year. Their store will be located on the 2nd level next to Mitchell's Fish Market and across from Panera Bread.

I have not heard of this store before, but found the following information from their web site:

Learning Express Inc., is a specialty toy store franchise, with more than 100 locations across the country. As the leader of the specialty toy and children's gift category, we provide a fun and friendly shopping environment, with a knowledgeable sales staff that provides expert advice to parents looking for that perfect toy.

At Learning Express, we pride ourselves on the quality and uniqueness of our toy selection. We carefully select each product to ensure shelves are stocked with unique and innovative products that encourage learning through play, including games and puzzles, developmental toys, arts and crafts kits, science and nature products, construction toys, books, dolls, plush and other unique items exclusive to Learning Express and specialty toy retailers.

As far as I know, this will also be the first toy store in Mt. Lebanon (If I'm wrong and there has been one before, please correct me!)

Good luck to David and Amy in their new business venture!

Link: www.learningexpress.com