Retail Interview “Bambola has benefited from being a Toymaster member since 1989, and we have had great support from them over the years, so it will be nice to be involved in making a difference to other members,” said Testori. “I hope to provide a fresh set of eyes to future suggestions and assist the very capable team we already have at Toymaster.” As eyes begin to turn to the all important fourth quarter and its golden Christmas shopping season, it’s a role that Testori takes on with Toymaster that could see him fielding more frequently the kind of questions on everybody’s lips right now. What about the shipping chaos? It’s the rhetorical question of the year, and one that is plaguing industries reliant on imports, across the board. “I don’t think we have experienced anything specific to Jersey with regards to shipping costs, but we have noticed price increases across the board as a result of their increases,” explains Testori. “We have been forced to pass these on to consumers, like many others. I struggle to remember a time where suppliers had mid-year price increases. “We have noticed deliveries taking longer, but as a result we have brought our Christmas deliveries forward and we have been filling the warehouse considerably earlier than normal.
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“I think there could be short term shortages of some items, and it might affect initial ranges of choices, but there will still be lots to choose from. Shelf space always needs to be filled so there could be instances where sections are taken up by other categories, but they will return.” As for Bambola and its own plans for securing its success for the next 60 years and beyond, the answer lies in adaptation and quick reactions. “We will continue to adapt to customer trends and economic changes and encourage the team’s knowledge in store,” says Testori. “We pride ourselves on offering good customer service and I think that is the secret to the high street shopping experience. “I am fortunate to have a great team with people who can continue the business and I would love to see it continue for many more years to come. I would be here working for another 60 years if I could. “The pandemic has made people revisit old hobbies and try new ones, as well as highlight the importance of supporting our high street. The great thing about our industry is that toys are a tactile product. Children and adults alike will always enjoy visitig a toy shop or department.”
