Conversations with Caity Barton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caity Barton.

Hi Caity, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I always thought that I would have my own shop, but never really thought it would be a toy shop! I worked in fashion in NYC for over 15 years in several different areas. Starting in stores and then moving to corporate where I worked as a visual merchandiser, merchant, buyer and product line manager. After moving to Denver and becoming a mom, I decided to step away from the office and stay home with my daughter. As she grew, I discovered some amazing toy brands that created open-ended, imaginative toys that encouraged kids to be creative. We love to travel as a family and I am always inspired by toy shops in Europe that carry a small collection of beautifully made toys. With my daughter in grade school, I realized that I wanted to get back to work outside of the home. Driving through Wash Park one morning, I was considering what work I would enjoy but still have the flexibility of being available to my daughter when she needs me. I passed a group of children playing in the park and the thought of opening an online toy shop came to me! I went home, spoke with my husband, came up with a plan and it all started from there! I was able to curate the collection and create the website in a couple of weeks and the shop was off and running!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We have been open for six months, and so far it has been fairly smooth.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a small online toy shop that offers a thoughtfully curated collection of toys that inspire a child’s creativity and imagination. Our toys are made by small specialty makers and I am proud to say that over 70% are women owned. I love to support local Denver toymakers whenever I can. I want to make sure that all children are represented in the products we offer. It is very important to me that every child sees themselves and their families in their toys.

I think we are best known for our free front porch delivery in Denver. Even though we do not currently have a brick and mortar store, I still want to be considered a small local business and serve the Denver community. All orders within 25 miles of area code 80209 are delivered by me to their destination for free.

I am most proud of how our toys are inclusive of all children and families. I believe play should be a priority. When children see themselves in their toys, they understand the important and necessary place they have in the world. There are two things that set us apart, our unique assortment of toys and our service and dedication to our customers.

What matters most to you?
Making play a priority and allowing children to experience childhood is most important to me. I believe that when a child is able to play in an open-ended imaginative way, the world opens up to them. Toys can help to encourage and foster their creativity, they can also help them to see themselves in the world. Offering quality toys that represent all children is what I strive for in the shop.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@wherethesidewalkendshop.com
• Website: https://wherethesidewalkendshop.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_sidewalks_end/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wherethesidewalkendstoyshop/