Formally located on Elm Street, you certainly don’t have to be a kid to love shopping at Learning Express on Quimby Street in Westfield. Owned by Elaine Jordan, and managed by Cheryl Burns and assistant manager Alison Grasso, from books to toys, it’s all on the shelves at this “Happening” emporium.
“When the location became available, I jumped at the chance to move closer to town,” says Jordan. “We believe we have the right products for kids of all ages. We go that extra mile for someone special that wants a favorite gift or toy. Just one quick look in the window, and you’ll notice a favorite “Something” that silently beckons visitors of every age to quickly, “Come-Right-in!”.
From Skateboards to a Spooner Board, Yup, that’s the name of a kind of curved “Snowboard”, that anyone in the family can easily maneuver; Come test ride it! See how it glides, on carpet, floors, grass, and even the driveway. Another great inspiration for any “child” or even a “grown-up”, is ‘Learning to Play the Piano’. Unlike other “kid” pianos, where they kind of just bang on the keys, your youngster will actually be able to play a “real” song.
A box titled “All Duct Out” contains many different colorful rolls of Duct tape to redesign, rings, wallets, sneakers, your bicycle, skate board, or even a tee shirt.
I watched a group of little girls head to a gift box marked “Silly Hair”. It contained an adorable doll named “LaLa Loopsy”. Perfect for little girls that love to discover new and attractive ways to style hair....theirs, or anyone elses...this perfect gift could easily motive the designing diva that you know and love. And since “Party Favors” are a must for guests attending little girl or guy parties, LaLa Loopsy has a mound of mini party favors that all kids and even grown-ups enjoy. Purchase Magic Milk Straws, Scratch and Sketch pads, Piggy Banks, and all kinds of jewelry.
“The owner of our jewelry line comes from Massachusetts, said proprietor Jordan. “He is very excited about Learning Express. While here, he graciously offers our customers the chance to select their favorite piece of jewelry, and thanks them for shopping in our location.”
Take time to really look around. Note an excellent array of sparkle among the aisles. I chose a “Mood” ring with pink hearts, another friend sports one with butterflies. But the wise shopper should come and check out the “Designer” watches that you’d easily pay twice the price, in trendy “grown-up” stores.
Learning Express is filled with all kinds of nifty items 5th and 6th graders might like...like jeweled pencils or pens, or “Mogo” bracelets, or “Locker Lookz” a funky line that highlights “Designer” School Lockers. Purchase designer “Messenger” eraser boards and mirrors decorated in bright colors with giant black or white polka dots. They’re also choosing smaller lamps that offer a soft glow.
Alison Grasso is right out there with the crowd. Demonstrating a Plasma Car, the vehicle is great for traveling on any even surface. Merely place your feet on special pads, use the steering wheel, and the car just goes. In colors of Pink, Blue and Red, it’s a great gift for kids with a great play area. You might consider the Z Curve for Dad. It’s a “real” Bow and Arrow that really “Shoots. Why not invite him to visit Learning Express and try it out?
Manager Cheryl Burns encourages moms and dads to schedule play dates featuring activities that kids really love. She’s also hooked on Magna Tiles, and of course, Legos. “Don’t forget to stock up on Stocking Stuffers for Christmas, and all kinds of goodies for the 8 days of Hanukah. Before you know it, the holidays will soon be here,” she quips.
Learning Express features anything and everything you can think of for kids of all ages, including “YOU”!
Millicent K. Brody
September 30th, 2011
Photo: Elaine Jordon and Alison Grasso having fun at Learning Express
What You Need to Know:
Learning Express, 104 Quimby Street, Westfield
Call: 908-233-1381
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thurs; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
FYI: Sign up for a Party Registry. Like a bridal shower, friends may select and purchase gifts, guaranteeing no duplicates. Ask about Play Dates and Party activities. Let kids “secretly” select their own gifts. They’ll be wrapped and ready for all occasions. Talk to Elaine about hosting a birthday party.
