Ken Young runs a very special business in Medina. In his words, he runs "the toy store located on the way to your child's imagination!" With a slogan like that, you just know you're in for a treat when you walk through their front door - and Ken will not let you down. Fundamentals is Medina's wonderfully conceived hands-on specialty toy store. One of Northeastern Ohio's largest independent toy stores, Fundamentals is a wonderland of quality, traditional toys.

After visiting an "Early Learning Center" toy store which featured quality educational toys, Ken knew that he wanted a store of his own, but he wanted to add high quality, specialty fun toys from around the globe to his offerings in addition to the educational toys. In July 1992, he leased a small, 1,000 square foot space at Comstock's Junction and set about stocking his store with playthings that were not only educational but also had great play value. Exactly what is great play value? Well, those are toys that are extremely durable and provide so much enjoyment and entertainment for your child that they're likely to be handed down from generation to generation. When people ask why a particular toy is expensive, Ken points out that it really isn't, if you consider play value, and how long that toy lasts. Ken says the most expensive toy is the one that breaks the next day, or isn't played with in two or three days. This formula has proven so successful that in early 1998, Fundamentals Creative Toy Store moved into the present location which encompasses 4,000 square feet that are absolutely packed with toys that bring shrieks of joy from Ken's younger visitors. During my interview with Ken, I was amazed by how many times the younger shoppers could be heard squealing with delight. Ken finds his toys by going to trade shows such as the International Toy Fair in New York City and by listening to both the salespeople who stop to visit, as well as is customers. A large part of the product currently in the store was purchased due to customer's requests and suggestions and Ken loves to hear his customers tell him that he has more toys in his store than they've ever seen anywhere. Most toy stores will utilize between eighty and one hundred vendors to keep their stores stocked but Ken works with over two hundred-fifty vendors to maintain an inventory that will astound you. Fundamentals Creative Toy Store has a full and varied selection which is very well suited to children from birth until their early teens. Most of their offerings require the children to engage their imagination in their playtime and everywhere you look in the store you'll find toys and displays which are meant to be played with by the younger shoppers. You'll want to check the schedule at the store to find the dates and times for their play days, craft days, and special event days.

Fundamentals Creative Toys has announcee the addition of another wonderful specialty toy store to be opening soon in Hudson, Ohio. The 3100 sq. foot showcase of toys from around the world is scheduled to have its grand opening on October 1st and will be located in the state of the art "First and Main" Hudson development project!

Ken's favorite part of the business is helping you find the right toy for your child and seeing the children laugh. Whenever you need that special toy or simply want to treat your little ones to a day they're sure to remember for a long time, stop by Fundamentals Creative Toy Store and don't forget to tell Ken that The Advocate sent you!

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