As the holiday season approaches, it is likely you’ve been pulled into a Geppetto’s toy shop by a young person in your life who is excited to show off a new toy or game recently added to their holiday wish list. Over 25 years ago, Geppetto’s was founded as a small toy store located in the Hotel Del Coronado by Carol and Hadley Miller. Today, over two decades later, Mr. Miller’s son Brian leads the company which has grown from one shop to nine local shops with close to 90 employees. Geppetto’s has grown in size and popularity with parents and kids alike over the years, in part because of its emphasis on listening to the customer and its commitment to measured, steady growth. Over the years, Geppetto’s employees have listened to requests from kids who are interested in new toys, such as the kendama toy. After a little boy expressed his interest in the line, Geppetto’s added it to its offerings and it has become a favorite among many of Geppetto’s customers.
During a time when it is widely acknowledged that the retail landscape is changing and as customer preferences continue to evolve, Geppetto’s has maintained its status as a locally owned business which has experienced steady growth over the course of time, truly becoming a part of the fabric of San Diego’s community.
Geppetto’s believes in giving back to the local community and has donated hundreds of toys over the years to important causes and organizations. One of the organizations Geppetto’s supports is Words Alive, a literacy organization based in San Diego. The company also supports our military through providing toys and donations to the USO, in addition to supporting La Jolla public schools and the La Jolla Art and Wine Festival. This past summer, Brian Miller was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association. “It is truly an honor to be able to carry on the tradition of Geppetto’s for my family and for the community,” Brian Miller said.
As always, gift wrapping is complimentary at Geppetto’s. To learn more and to start crafting your favorite toy wish list just in time for the holidays, visit www.geppettostoys.com.