Learning Express Toys

Nice

My daughter loves this store which is very unfortunate. I've been a regular to this store for years and just recently I've had an issue with an employee, an older woman named Mary. Sometimes I get lucky and it's a more human employee working and all my anxiety dissipates, but if Mary is working it is almost guaranteed to be a poor experience for myself and my daughter. She has no love or respect for children and even less for customers. Even though the store is set up in a way to accommodate children who want to try new toys and the like, Mary would rather you sulk around the store mute as an astral being not of this realm as not to disturb her. I've had more negative experiences with old Mary than I'm comfortable with, but two left me beyond bitter --I was playing with my daughter and had purchased two toys for her, a plush turtle and octopus. After about five 'can I help you or your daughter find anything?' within half an hour, Mary suggested we leave the store as we were being too loud for the customers browsing. I looked around and it was just my daughter and I in the store, probably because no one wants to be there when Mary is on the job. I politely complied and left with my daughter.I was there again very recently and my daughter had taken interest in a dinosaur toy which I planned on purchasing. Mary not only talked down to my three year old little girl, but was telling her what she can and cannot play with, even attempting to take it away from her. I understand there's display only items, etc. Mary takes everything to another level, often unnecessarily. Mary should speak with the parent, not take it upon herself to discipline customer's children. I stated I was purchasing said item Mary was upset about my daughter playing with, as it is 'from Germany' and 'very expensive'. The dinosaur was $25, hardly anything to make a scene about -- but it wouldn't be a stop at the Learning Express Toys if I didn't have Mary to make it a personal hell. Anyway, I purchased the dinosaur and left immediately.In conclusion, I hate this store because of Mary and it is so unfortunate my little girl loves it, because they do amazing things here like story time, crafts etc. Everyone else is professional and very nice to the children, but Mary is the exception. If you want your child to keep their smile for the day, I highly suggest avoiding this store or at the very least scanning to see if Mary is still employed before entering.

The other reviews talking about a rude lady is most likely Mary. She gets so heated when kids play with the toys that are LITERALLY sitting out in a manner I can only assume are meant to be played with?! A toy store is made for kids, and kids are naturally going to want to play with toys that are out on display so all shes doing is pushing customers out the door with her rudeness. She shouldnt be working at a toy store if she doesnt like children!!