Local Toy Store Owner and EG Native Supports EG Schools

It can be tough out there as an independent toy store. The only toy store in East Greenwich - All About Imagination on Main Street - closed earlier this year, unable to make a go of it. But Jeff Dronzek's Learn All About It is looking to buck that particular trend.

Learn All About It is located in the Cowesett Corners shopping plaza on Bald Hill Road at Cowesett Road. Dronzek decided to go into business for himself after being a buyer for Staples, Bloomingdales and Learning Smith.

"Toy are the most fun environment to be around," he said.

He opened the store in March 2008. "The economy has been a challenge," Dronzek conceded. He said he thinks independent stores have a value in the community with personlized business, valuable products and competitive pricing. 

He's also reached out to area schools by donating items for fairs and raffles. Working with East Greenwich schools comes naturally, since Dronzek grew up in EG and attended the public schools.

"We always contribute to school events in East Greenwich when they ask.  We've done things for the public schools and preschools in the area. East Greenwich is where I grew up, and I like to help them out," said Jeff Dronzek. He said many of his customers are from East Greenwich.

Dronzek works to help local EG groups as well. He donates a $25 gift card each month to the East Greenwich Cowesett New Neighbor's Club for their monthly drawings.

"Shopping local supports and grows the local economy and your neighborhood store has local experts, gets to know you and your family, knows the products and their value, and is price-competitive every day," said Dronzek.

Dronzek offers complimentary gift wrap to customers and free delivery to local residents. He works with local people to sell items they create, and he works with other local businesses. The store is hosting a Fall Ale Tasting with help from on Oct. 22.  

"There will be something fun for the parents to do while kids enjoy a our Spooky Science Night," Dronzek said. Jenn Asay, a local EG science teacher, will lead kids through fun and spooky science experiments to get ready for Halloween. The event is free, but calling ahead to sign-up is strongly recommended. It starts at 5 p.m.

The store also offers enrichment classes in math, reading, science, and Spanish. And it holds musical performances, story times, and special events for almost every holiday. Birthday parties can be held at the store. Just bring the cake and give them the theme and the rest is done for you. They provide the crafts, games, stories, pizza, and goodie bags.  

The store hosts fundraisers, group shopping nights, play-and-shop dates for mom and kids' groups, or a "mom's night out" shopping event.

Nov. 11 will be the second Annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day. The store will celebrate with activities for the kids, discounts, and there will be a visit from a local marine officer with a Toys for Tots box.

Learn All About It also has a website and emailed newsletters that goes out to subscribers monthly. There are always monthly deals and discounts for subscribers. Their Facebook page keeps customers updated on events and new items.  If you shop there, mention you read this article on The EG Patch and you will receive whatever subscriber special is going on that month.

Upcoming Events at Learn All About:

Curious George Storytime and Visit: Oct. 1, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Story Time and book signing with Anika Denise, a local writer and author of Pigs Love Potatoes and Bella and Stella Come Home: Oct. 9, 11:30 a.m.

Spooky Science Night & Fall Ale Tasting: Oct. 22, 5 p.m.

Halloween Costume Party: Oct. 28, 4 p.m.

All of these events are free, but calling to sign-up is strongly recommended.

Learn All About It, 300 Quaker Lane, Cowesett Corners Shopping Center, Warwick, R.I. 02886; 401-921-5951. Hours M-Sat 10-7, Sun 12-5. Email: jd@learnallaboutittoys.com or visit them at: www.learnallaboutittoys.com.