Name:
Allison McGowan
Company:
Contact info:
ph.: (212) 924-2232, email: allison@teichdesign.com
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
Our original store (which carried a selection of children’s items) opened 5 years ago. Our toy store has been open for 2 years.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I originally had a small store in the East Village where I sold my own handbag designs alongside jewelry and accessories by other local designers. In 2011, my husband joined me to open the West Village location where we expanded our selection to include items for men and children. Around this time I decided to stop manufacturing my own line and focus fully on retail. The children’s area of our shop was very popular and in 2014 we opened our toy store because we felt there was a strong demand. Over the years, our selection has grown, but we’ve continued to carry items made by small, local producers.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
We love to work with small, independent designers, artists and companies. Our shop is filled with items you won’t find in a lot of other stores. We also focus on interactive toys that foster creativity. When buying for the store, we consider not only an item’s functionality, but also the design and quality. We aim to stock beautiful, thoughtful toys that last.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
We’re very much a neighborhood store and the West Village is a wonderful area with lots of young families. We have weekly free events such as story time. We have a knowledgable, friendly staff who can help you pick out the perfect gift. Customer service is extremely important to us.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
I hope that we not only provide a valuable service, but that we bring joy to our customers of all ages.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love that as a business owner, I get to use my creativity in so many different ways on any given day.
How do you benefit mamas?
I hope that we provide parents with good options of toys and books for their children. We can help you find a great birthday gift, baby shower gift or design a goody bag for your child’s birthday. We also provide free gift wrapping which is always appreciated by busy mamas.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
We are constantly taking feedback, whether it’s an idea for a new product to stock, or a negative review on something we carry, it’s all invaluable to us and definitely appreciated.
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
We’ve worked with so many wonderful people over the years so I’m going to narrow it down and pick some talented NYC mommy designers/artists: Annie from Brooklyn Owl, Ellie from Elefante & Mouse, Nuala from Yellow Oak Tree, Kyla from Home Grown Books, Cher from Tres Cher.
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
I know it’s cheesy but my mantra is “breathe, you can do it.” Followed closely by “nobody likes a whiner.”
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
I’m a big fan of meal delivery services like Plated. I hate planning what I’m going to eat and shopping for ingredients. They take all the hassle out of dinner.