Melissa Cairns prides herself for delivering youthful joy to thousands of children through toys. It’s a picture from a Norman Rockwell painting: a pocket of Heaven on a small hometown street. Ohio Magazine thought the same. Cairns Toys was named the best of Ohio’s toy stores.
“I am so proud to be chosen,” Melissa Cairns said. “We take great pride in being a customer-friendly store by utilizing hands-on toys throughout the store to enhance the experience.”
Ohio Magazine named 50 winners in four different categories: entertainment, lodging, attraction, shopping, and drinks. Cairns Toys competed against hundreds of toy stores throughout Ohio, but ultimately, its uniqueness is what set them apart from all others. Among the other winners, Esther Price won as the best Ohio-made candy, the 2nd Street Market won best farmer’s market, and a small boutique in Greenville, Sadie Grace, won Ohio’s best boutique.
Cairns originally opened Cairns Collectibles in a back room of her home in 1983 where she sold unique, antique collectibles, specifically vintage teddy bears and stuffed animals. It wasn’t until 1993, that Cairns expanded her business and offered a wider selection. In 2007, Cairns moved the store to her present location on Main Street and changed the name to Cairns Toys in 2007. Since then, she has taken upon herself, along with staff, hand-picks each and every toy that is sold in the store.
“I try to choose unusual specialty toys that are of the highest quality. I also try to give customers great customer service,” Cairns said. “I have many toys out for kids, as well as adults, to try.”
Walking through the door, children beam. Smiles bounce from wall to wall and toys are being played with from aisle to aisle. Kids are playing with parents and parents are interacting with their children. This is something very different that walking through a huge commercial toy store. This is why Cairns Toys is so different. It’s the reason customers keep coming back time and time again.
“I love the downtown historical area in Tipp City,” Cairns said. “Since I live here, it’s the only place I would want my specialty store.”
Ohio Magazine is not the entity that believes Cairns Toys is the best toy store. In 2004, the small businesses organization also named it the best small business in the area.
For more information or question regarding Cairns Toys, contact Melissa Cairns at (937) 667-7622 or email her at Melissa@cairnstoys.com.
