Princeton’s renowned toy store jaZams, a destination retail shop with magnetic appeal to young and old alike, has a good toy story to tell – one rooted in fact not fantasy. The fact is that the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), representing hundreds of independent toy retailers in the United States, recently awarded jaZams the 2024 Excellence Award for Best Toy Store in the United States.
According to the award, jaZams – comprising two stores one at 25 Palmer Square East in Princeton and the other at Peddlers’ Village in New Hope, Pa, – radiates joy, excellence, and community connections. As a result, jaZams has been delighting tens of thousands of customers for nearly three decades.
Longtime Princeton residents Joanne Farrugia and Dean Smith, partners in the business as well as in life, received the award at a gala this summer in St. Louis. The event’s emcee noted that passion and partnership are the attributes that prompted the jaZams honor.
“The passion for their store, their staff, and the community they serve shines through in every aspect of their business. One of their most striking features is the meticulous curation of their inventory. Their stores are beautifully merchandised and boast an impressive array of toys, games, and books sourced from near and far…. offering their customers the best and newest products available.”
“Also, Joanne and Dean epitomize the meaning of partnerships.” They partner first with their store associates, who they have treated like family since the day they opened their doors. Secondly, they partner with their customers, gathering feedback and stocking their stores based on the customer’s needs. And thirdly, they are renowned for partnering with the local community not-for-profits, such as the Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton Public Library, Princeton Public Schools, and McCarter Theatre to produce special events that create a vibrant community spirit throughout the year.
For more information about jaZams – locations, hours, and exciting holiday events – please visit the website https://jazams.com/
FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT JOANNE FARRUGIA: JOANNE@JAZAMS.COM