This year we’re shining a light on our neighbouring independent businesses in Chapel Allerton.
Just walk down the Harrogate Road and you’ll find a great selection of independent shops and businesses for all your gift, food and well-being needs
This month we’re focusing on Armadillo Toys, an independent toy shop owned and run by Lisa Clay for over 20 years.
To get to know Armadillo Toys a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with Lisa…
Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business.
Hello my name is Lisa and I am the owner of Armadillo Toys. I’m married with 2 grown up children. We have been your local independent toy shop for 21 years, with 4 part time staff 2 of whom have been with me for more than 20 years. Amazing loyalty.
How did you get into doing what you're doing?
When my children were young there was no internet shopping, we only had access to the high street stores and mail order catalogues. I knew there had to be something better out there for my children. This is why I started Armadillo Toys.
What does a 'normal' day look like?
What still amazes me is that customers don’t see all the work involved in running a shop like mine. I’m sure you all think we stand there all day waiting for someone to come to the till. There’s an awful lot of stuff that goes on behind the scenes - think swan, that’s what it’s like.
A shop day involves me getting into work about 8.30. The first job is to make up balloon orders and check online orders. So what does happen, we vac and mop the floor, I may wash the windows, we tidy the shelves, believe it or not our little customers are not the tidiest, we also restock and organise the stockroom. Several times a week deliveries will arrive, so there’s unpacking, programming, pricing and putting the toys out on display. Then of course the most important part of a shop is that we help customers to find what they are looking for. We also gift wrap the majority of purchases for our customers too. Phew.
Biggest achievement to date?
Now my biggest achievement - do I think cheesy or professional? My cheesy answer is my family, I’ve 2 brilliant daughters and a fantastic husband and a dog called Jasper, they are my world.
Professionally I’m proud to have managed to keep Armadillo Toys running for 21 years. We’ve survived the increasing reach of internet shopping, specifically but not exclusively Amazon, two recessions, the pandemic and the recent cost of living crisis.
We are still here due to the dedication of my loyal staff, hard work and most importantly our fabulous customers.
Favourite product you sell?
I’m particularly proud of some of the special products we have put together, unique to us. I have created a range of ready to go pre wrapped gifts for baby to 8 years and our own range of story sacks to expand the joyful experience of reading with your child. These are unique to us and I think this is a real selling point.
Best & worst thing about running your own business?
Can I say customers? It’s a pleasure to serve our wonderful customers, we really do appreciate every one of you.But there’s always an exception, as you may have heard, shoplifting is rife and we are suffering more than ever from theft in store.
Is there another business in Chapel Allerton you'd like to run for a day?
I studied fashion at college and then textiles at degree level, so I’d love to get my hands on all the industrial machines at The Zipyard. Although I’ve always hated putting in zips.
Plans for 2025 / the future?
I think 2025 could be a very tough year for small businesses, not to get political but increasing costs will have to take their toll. So we have to do more to reach out to customers, we know there are many easy ways to shop so we need to try harder to get our customers to step through the door.
Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?
Chapel Allerton really does have a fabulous community of independent shops, bars, restaurants and businesses. It’s part of the reason why it’s such a great place to live. However we do need you to shop with us not just browse, compare and buy online, as they say ‘a shop is for life not just for Christmas’
Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that perhaps your customers don't know!
I love classic cars, when I was seventeen I bought my first car and learned to drive and took my test in it - this was a Morris Minor, when I needed a larger vehicle (I ran a market stall in Camden market selling my own clothes and needed to transport stock) I bought a VW camper van. We now have a 1970’s Mercedes 450 SLC it’s a beast but I love it.
Where can we find you ?
Armadillo Toys is located at 112a Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, LS7 4NY
Open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday
Website www.armadillotoys.co.uk
Facebook @ArmadilloToys
Instagram @armadillotoys