All Hinsdale Residents Want for Christmas is a...Toy Store!

Christmas has come early to Hinsdale this year, in the form of a pop-up, seasonal toy store. Just in time for the 2010 holiday season, husband and wife owners of the Learning Express in Countryside have brought their franchise to Hinsdale Ave., taking out a three-month lease and occupying the vacant spot of former toy store TreeTop Kids.

Learning Express franchise owner Laurie Kherani said the building's owner, Chuck Foster, approached the couple in hopes of filling the temporary lease. 

"Our goal is to sell as many of the toys that we can," said Kherani.  "For the most part, people desperately want us to stay, they want a toy store in the area." Kherani also hinted she and her husband may be thinking about setting up a permanent store here after the lease is up.  "We are looking at some other, smaller buildings in the Hinsdale area."

Workers are busy stocking shelves for the big grand opening on November 11th, but the Learning Express doors are actually open now.  Kherani said customer comments have all been positive, with many appreciating the opportunity to purchase creative and educational toys that capture a child's desire to learn.

"We have toys that help inspire kids' imaginations to help them grow," Kerhani added.  "We [at Learning Express] have good, quality toys." 

The Learning Express offers the same type and quality merchandise that previous toy stores in that location have carried over the years, including TreeTop Kids and C. Foster's.

All items in the store are 20 percent off through Nov. 14th.  Customers are urged to stop by for the grand opening on Nov. 11th, when there will be lots of fun surprises and visits from Elmo.

The Learning Express Toy Store is located at 36 E. Hinsdale Ave.