Independent toy shop, Argosy Toys, has made headlines and reached more than a million people on Facebook, leading to an influx of customers and continued support for the high street.
Family run retailer, Argosy Toys has been in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, since 1947. Every year, owner, Paul Wohl, posts before Christmas to remind people to shop with local independents. This year, he decided to post earlier than usual, due to the uncertainty of receiving stock as a result of lorry driver shortages.
The post said: “Hello world! This is my shop. Please remember us this year if you need toys for Christmas. Really swimming against the tide of Amazon these days. They make billions in profit and pay a tiny percentage in tax. I employ 7 local people and pay all due VAT and tax that funds our NHS. We have hundreds of LEGO sets, as well as thousands of other toys and we regularly help out Southend Hospital Neptune Ward and Great Ormond Street Hospital via the Elsie’s Elephants campaign.”
Within two days, the post from Argosy Toys had reached more than a million Facebook users and had been shared more than 16,000 times. The comments have been filled with customers sharing fond memories, stories of great customer experience and enquiries about delivery options and upcoming visits.
One Facebook user commented: “These guys held my presents until Xmas eve then helped me secretly load the car (hiding presents in black sacks) into my car with my kids in it!!! Their customer service is beyond anything you will receive in any other shop. Unfortunately my girls are now in their late teens but I will never forget what you did that day. Thank you “
Generating enormous amounts of interaction with people that had previously shopped with Argosy Toys, as well as new customers, the post has continued to grow engagement.
Paul explained the positive impact of his social media post, adding: “I have 400 messages to get through. It really is the power of social media. It’s been almost like a Christmas Eve-style shopping day. After everything we’ve been through, the small businesses really suffered, but wow, this has been really amazing. We’ve had loads of people coming in and buying toys and they were all saying ‘we saw you on social media and we want to buy something from you’.”
Top tips to benefit from social media
This viral post is a fantastic example of what can happen when retailers have an emotional connection with their customers.
Here are some top tips to help encourage social media shares:
- Be honest and transparent
- Use your platforms to speak directly to your audience
- Explain the benefits of shopping with you
- Interact with followers
- Include imagery
Learn more about Argosy Toys
At Argosy Toys, customers can purchase all of their favourite toys at discount prices with quick local delivery options and click and collect, as well as shipping nationwide via Royal Mail.
Click here to visit the Argosy Toys website.
Holly brings a wealth of experience in both print and digital publishing. As Modern Retail’s Content Editor, Holly is passionate about helping independent retailers to thrive in today’s ever-changing market.
