Clare Turner speaks to Carol Glennon and Melek Fagan, manager and assistant manager respectively of Irish toy shop Fagan’s Toymaster in Mullingar, winner of the Independent Toy Retailer of the Year (Single Store) Award
Tell us a bit about Fagan’s Toymaster.
Fagan’s Toymaster is in Mullingar, which is the county town of County Westmeath in Ireland. It started as an office supplies/newsagent in 1979 and began branching into toys a few years later. We’ve been a proud member of Toymaster for more than two decades.
Over the years we have expanded slowly and steadily and now we supply office furniture and office stationery – and of course toys – all over the Midland Region of Ireland and sometimes further.
How would you describe your range?
We pride ourselves on keeping a wide range of all the top brands. In our board game section alone we try to ensure we have at least 300-plus games in stock at any one time.
LEGO is always a big focus for us and is the focal point when you enter the store. But we always try to look after niche markets too, with collector items such as Hot Wheels Premium.
We are constantly on the lookout for new suppliers and ranges that are not only going to catch our eyes but those of our customers.
We currently deal with more than 80 suppliers. Key to keeping things fresh and new is meeting them at shows like Toy Fair in London.
Another highlight of the year for us is the Toymaster show in Harrogate. The little bit of socialising (“ahem”) at these events helps us build a great working relationship with suppliers.
How’s trading been for you?
January has been busier than we expected. There’s been a lot of action with fads like Loom Bands and Pop Its (which are both supplied by One for Fun) and squishy toys from Bigjigs Toys.
And LEGO’s new launches have kicked off brilliantly; we’ve got the full Botanical Collection and have already topped up on the brick-built blossoms.
Looking ahead, we’re hoping that we have a better summer than last year and see a lift in outdoor toys. It’s great to see the kids being able to get out and about and enjoy the sun.
What do you think sets you apart from other independent toy retailers?
We try to go above and beyond when it comes to our customers’ needs, and we are focused on keeping a range of all the top toys.
We also try to support local charities and sports clubs. This, among many other things, is what we hope makes Fagan’s Toymaster a store that the community is proud to have in Mullingar.
“Working in the toy industry has been highly rewarding, marked by a significant commitment to ensuring that Fagan’s Toymaster remains the preferred destination for all children in Mullingar”
Melek Fagan, assistant manager, Fagan’s
What’s next for your business?
We like to make sure there is always some sort of event planned in the near future – be that a competition on social media, or an in-store activity such as our parent-only shopping event. At last year’s event we gave away over €5,000 in prizes and goodie bags, and there were demos on the night including one by our security guard Gary, who is one of our TikTok sensations. Our video of him playing the Smart Ball Soccer Bot from Golden Bear Toys has close to 5 million views!
We also hope to continue supporting local charities. Last year we raised almost €850 for the local Westmeath hospice with our €1 donation for gift wrapping.
Plus, we aim to continue supporting local sports clubs with sponsorship. We want to keep offering our Christmas Club service too, because it’s a big help to people in spreading the cost of Christmas.
How did you feel when you heard the news of your win?
Melek: We heard that we were nominated for the Independent Toy Retailer of the Year (Single Store) Award in mid-December. But with the busy Christmas season in full swing, there wasn’t too much time to think about it. Getting close to Toy Fair, we started to discuss how great it would be if we could actually win!
It was the first award announced on the night, and when we heard Fagan’s Toymaster called out, we genuinely couldn’t believe it was us.
Our managing director John Fagan, who is my uncle, and his wife Ann Fagan, along with their daughter Fiona, attended the awards with us (my dad works on the office furniture and office stationery side of the business). It was a proud moment for the Fagan family.
Carol: I felt very proud to be at the ceremony representing all the hardworking staff in Fagan’s Toymaster. Attending Toy Fair is one of the highlights of the year, so this made it extra special.
What’s your career background?
Carol: I previously worked in office-based jobs, but retail is certainly where I belong. I started in Fagan’s Toymaster almost 15 years ago and don’t see myself going anywhere else in the future. I love the toy industry, and I suppose it brings out the inner child in me a bit.
Melek: I started working in the family business while still attending school. After school I studied Sports and Business at Technological University Dublin. After finishing my studies, it made perfect sense to become involved in the business.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Carol: In general, I find working in the toy industry is a rewarding experience. There’s nothing better than seeing a child’s face light up with a trip to ‘the yellow shop’ as we’re known among the kids.
Melek: Working in the toy industry has been highly rewarding, marked by a significant commitment to ensuring that Fagan’s Toymaster remains the preferred destination for all children in Mullingar. Witnessing returning customers, particularly those who now shop for their grandchildren, is incredibly gratifying.
What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?
Carol: I don’t think people are aware of the background work that takes place to have the most-wanted toys and fresh stock always on the shelves.
We literally always have to be six months ahead of ourselves and hope we’ve made the right choices. We’re lucky that we have a great relationship with the many reps we work with.
Melek: As Carol says, staying ahead of trends and predicting popular products poses a constant challenge.
What business achievement are you most proud of?
Carol: It has to be winning the Independent Toy Retailer of the Year (Single Store) Award. It’s going to be hard to top that!
Melek: Among my notable achievements in business are the viral success on TikTok with the Smart Ball Soccer Bot and receiving the Independent Toy Retailer of the Year (Single Store) Award – both of which are moments of immense pride for our family and our toy team.
What’s your all-time favourite toy or game?
Carol: It would probably be the 30 Seconds board game from Woodland Games. In our house
it’s the one we always go back to – and the one I always recommend
to customers.
Melek: My favourite toy has to be LEGO. Even as an adult, I still enjoy building it, and I frequently recommend it to customers due to
its versatility both in terms of pricing and appeal.