The mission of NETS is to promote independent, neighbourhood toy stores and the products they sell, as providing superior service and value to Canadian families.
Membership is NETS provides you with:
- participation in the Gold Star Awards program. This includes national media coverage (TV, radio, print) promoting the toys we believe are the year’s best in a number of categories; a press release for use with your local media; Gold Star stickers for your product; store flyers to hand out to customers
- promotion of your store and/ or products directly to parents at consumer shows across Canada
- entry to the NETS chat room on the internet, an ongoing opportunity to find out the latest information, exchange ideas, problem solve and network
- a voice in deciding and developing the promotion of neighbourhood toy stores in Canada as THE place to go for quality products and service
- reduced rates at NETS workshops, professional development, and events
How to join NETS:
NETS is open to independent retailers, suppliers, and sales agents who support the independent retailers. Each company is allowed a maximum of 2 representatives for voting. Membership fees are due September 30, for 1 year, based on gross company sales:
- up to $499,000 – $150
- from $500,000 – $999,999 – $225
- from $1 million – $1.99 million – $300
- from $2 million – $4.99 million – $390
- over $5 million – $550
How NETS works:
Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada is a member- driven association. At the Toy Show meeting held in January, the membership decides on goals and projects for the year, and assigns volunteer Committees to undertake the work and report back to the membership. For example, in 1999 committees worked on the Gold Star Awards, Consumer Shows, Toy Book Catalogue, and Membership. Our administrative assistant, Diane Cannon, is available to help. She maintains up to date membership files, keeps financial records, and is available to help with the administrative tasks associated with projects and committees.
NETS has 2 meetings per year, in January and in August (at the time of the CGTA Fall Gift Show). Minutes are distributed to all members. Heads of committees have met via a conference call. We will be holding regular meetings in the Chat Room.
NETS has a President and Vice President, who serve for 2- year terms. One of the goals is to establish an executive with representation from across Canada and from suppliers and sales agents. Currently the President is Suzanne Heron, Kids Can Do (Orangeville), and the Vice President is Des Anthony, Creative Learning (North Bay).
Accomplishments:
- distributed over 3000 flyers in 1998 and 5000 flyers in 1999 showing the location of Ontario stores and the Gold Star winners to consumers at the Canadian Living Parents & Kids Show in Toronto
- members appeared on television to talk about the Gold Star toys
- gained coverage in national magazines about the Gold Star toys
A Special Note to Suppliers:
The purpose of NETS is to promote retailers and suppliers working together on common goals and issues. Unlike some similar associations, you have full voting membership – a strong voice in how best to “grow the industry” of independent neighbourhood toy stores in Canada, THE place to go for YOUR products. Your support in the past has been invaluable in building a network and a foundation for an active association. Working as full partners, we can accomplish even more.