Congratulations to our two winners! This contest is now closed.
As a kid, the thought of having your own toy store meant freedom to play with any and every toy you could imagine, all day long. That dream, in the mind of just about any kid, would be pure bliss. Imagine the fun and thrill of having every toy you could ever want, within reach, at any given time. While there may only be a few of us who turned that dream into reality, Matthew Purdy, the Owner of Toy Traders in Langley, is one of them.
This Yukon born man moved to BC to attend high school in Abbotsford and has been in business in Langley since 1995. What started mainly as a toy trading business has now evolved into BC’s largest independent toy store. As a former toy collector himself, Matthew is a great example of someone who enjoys what he does and who turned his passion for toys into a successful business.
The store is composed of three major elements and caters to a wide range of customer, from the wide-eyed little ones who go crazy with excitement to the not-so-little ones who still delight in nostalgic toys and collectible items. Regardless of which one you are, it’s a magical place to be.
The first element of the store is it’s Trade Centre, which accepts toys and collectibles from customers. Your trade-ins are valuated while you wait. The staff in the Trade Centre are knowledgeable on the current toy markets as well as recalls issued and will give you a fair value based on the toy’s condition and re-sell value. Any amounts you earn for the trade-in is provided to you in Trader Bucks, which never expire and are tax-free. They can be used on any item in the store, new or used (used items will have a green price sticker on them).
The second element of the store is its brand new toy section, which comprises 80% of the store. Toy Traders carries brands such as Lego and Playmobil, Melissa & Doug and Calico Critters, and many, many more. They also carry the entire line of Schleich’s hand-painted animals and Smurfs and boasts popular items such as Angry Birds and Vamplets.
The last element of the store is for the collectors. Collectible items, from new to nostalgic, are widespread from GI Joe to Transformers, DC and Marvel Comics, as well as movie collectibles for Star Wars, Terminator and more. If you’re a collector and you haven’t been to Toy Traders yet, you are missing out! They are Canada’s largest collectible store.
If the toy selection isn’t enough to intrigue you, you will be blown away by the displays in and around the store. These dioramas (or models representing a scene with 3-D characters) are detailed, full scale and intensely creative. From life size figures to re-enacted scenes from popular cartoons and movies, you’ll need to take your time to take it all in. And guess who’s responsible for these? Not a movie production crew. Matthew and his staff.
Toy Traders does their “leg work” in checking other flyer and sale prices, and displays comparative pricing on their shelves. They have weekly specials and new items coming in often, which you can learn of through their newsletter. Their well-informed staff take pride in their work, are great with kids and look forward to making your visit an enjoyable one. Just prepare yourself. When you walk in, someone will go bananas with delight, and it might not be your kids.
Toy Traders is gifting two of our readers $50 Trader Bucks each! Please leave a note below to be entered to win. Winners will be chosen at random on December 16, 2011.
For an extra chance to win, please post the following on Twitter: “I entered to win $50 to @toytraders from @FVPulse – you should enter, too! http://ow.ly/7W8MZ”
Toy Traders
www.toytraders.ca
19888 Langley Bypass, Langley
Ring: 604.532.9516
We’ve been frequent customers for over six years. We love it and will be coming back for years to come! With four kids, I also really appreciate the staff’s patience and kindness!
This is the finest independent toy store I have ever been to.
Best toy store in the Fraser valley. You can count on them having the best selection and lowest prices.
Toy Traders is by far my favourite toy store !!!! Matt and his crew have excellent knowledge and great customer service. I still am in awe every time I visit the store. No question, I’ll be going to Toy Traders for a long time !!!
I love all aspects of Toy Traders. Huge selection of toys my girls love, the trade in centre, and the collectors area and huge displays. Also, the staff is fantastic. Fan-tas-tic. I tell everyone I know about the store.
I only found out about toy traders a little over a year ago, and ever since I’ve been hooked! honestly my favorite part is bringing other collectors there who have never been and watching their faces as they see all the amazing thing from literally floor to ceiling. it’s a magical place for both children and adults.
Amazing toy store! Great staff, great selection, good value for new and used!
looks like the ultimate toy store!
I was at Toy Traders for the first time a couple of weeks ago, getting Christmas gifts for my daughters. This is the best toy store I have ever seen!! My husband and I will definitely be back many times!!! Thanks Matthew for creating the perfect toy store, I think we need one in North Vancouver ; ) !
i love toy traders, best store in langley, hands down.
I just love the variety and the staff are awesome and very helpful
The most amazing toy store there is.. Found things here that I could not no where!
Toy Traders is Awesome! You want it, they will more than likely Have It!
best toy store i have ever been too!
I just love the atmosphere and friendly staff in the store and can’t help but stop by regularly. You never know what neat new items and old gems you will find in the store. It is a lot of fun and relaxing to walk through the store in the evenings and check everything out. The problem is, I can never seem to make it out of the store without buying something!
Lots of toys for my grandchildren – and very helpful staff.
Cant express how much this store means to me, countless of hours and dollars spent at this place and I still want more. Obviously this store has some sort of black magic that i cannot comprehend!
Great store, great article, great everything! keep up the good work guys
I love checking out Toy Traders! I always walk out of the store with something and its a really great place to just check out when your in town too.
This is a super cool store, I have been shopping there for years. Plus have done a little bit of trading too!
Toy Traders is my home away from home. I could spend my entire life there and be completely happy.
The best toy/collectibles store i have ever been in. If you have seen it someplace they probably have it and for a better price
If you have never been.. you have to go… best toy store ever! My kids and I go just to wander and look at all the displays. Lots of toys that take you back… love this place
Best place in B.C.
They give you the best trade value. Very happy customer here